Polaris Names Ben Duke President of Its Marine Business

Rhea-AI Summary

Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) appoints Ben Duke as the new president of Marine, succeeding Jake Vogel, who will transition to a strategic advisory role. Duke has been with Polaris since 2019, managing the Godfrey and Hurricane brands, and has previously held leadership positions at Briggs and Stratton and Mercury Marine. The company acknowledges the Vogel family’s significant impact on the boating industry, particularly through brands like Bennington. Polaris aims to continue enhancing its Marine business under Duke's leadership.

Positive

• Ben Duke's extensive management experience and industry expertise may drive growth in Polaris Marine.
• Duke has a proven track record of increasing market share and profitability at Godfrey and Hurricane.

Negative

• None.

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) announced today that Ben Duke has been named president of Marine. Duke will succeed Jake Vogel, who is transitioning to a strategic advisory role at Polaris. Both Duke and Vogel will report to Polaris CEO Mike Speetzen.

“The Vogel family’s immense impact on the pontoon and boating industry are evident by the powerhouse Bennington, Godfrey and Hurricane brands. Since Polaris acquired the businesses in 2018, Jake has overseen their continued success and we are deeply appreciative of his contributions, including growing revenue over the past three-year period and setting the brands on a path for continued long-term success,” said Speetzen. “We’re excited to have Ben take the baton from Jake and lead us into the next chapter for Polaris Marine. Ben brings extensive management experience and industry expertise. While managing our Godfrey and Hurricane businesses, Ben has increased market share and improved profitability, while improving efficiency and employee health and safety at the plant. His results-driven focus and strong leadership capabilities, coupled with a deep understanding of this segment, gives me complete confidence in his ability to successfully guide and grow our Marine business.”

“It is a privilege to take on this leadership role, building on the incredible legacy that Jake and his family have created with these brands and advancing Polaris’ Marine business,” said Duke. “With Polaris’ top-notch portfolio of boat brands and the skill of the Polaris Marine team I’ve worked alongside these last several years, I’m energized by what lays ahead for this business and the growth and innovation we will deliver for the benefit of our customers and dealers.”

A seasoned leader within the marine industry, Duke joined Polaris in 2019 as general manager for the Godfrey and Hurricane Boats businesses at Polaris. Prior to his role with Polaris, Duke served as president of the Job Site and Standby Power Group at Briggs and Stratton. He also spent nearly a decade at Mercury Marine in various product and marketing leadership roles. He was a member of United States Air Force before entering the private sector. Duke earned his master’s in Business Administration, as well as his bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Lakeland University.

About Polaris

As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. With annual 2021 sales of $8.2 billion, Polaris’ high-quality product line-up includes the Polaris RANGER®, RZR® and Polaris GENERAL™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman® all-terrain off-road vehicles; military and commercial off-road vehicles; snowmobiles; Indian Motorcycle® mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot® moto-roadsters; Aixam quadricycles; Goupil electric vehicles; and pontoon and deck boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments, and accessories, along with an aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. www.polaris.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220505005493/en/

Media Contact:

Jessica Rogers

Phone: 763.513.3445

Jessica.Rogers@polaris.com

Investor Relations Contact:

JC Weigelt

Phone: 763.542.0525

JC.Weigelt@polaris.com

Source: Polaris Inc.

FAQ

Who has been appointed as the new president of Marine at Polaris Inc. (PII)?

Ben Duke has been appointed as the new president of Marine at Polaris Inc.

What position did Jake Vogel transition to at Polaris Inc. (PII)?

Jake Vogel transitioned to a strategic advisory role at Polaris Inc.

When did Ben Duke join Polaris Inc. (PII)?

Ben Duke joined Polaris Inc. in 2019.

What was Ben Duke's role before becoming president of Marine at Polaris Inc. (PII)?

Before becoming president of Marine, Ben Duke was the general manager for the Godfrey and Hurricane Boats businesses.

How has Jake Vogel impacted Polaris Inc. (PII) during his tenure?

Jake Vogel oversaw the growth of revenue for the Bennington, Godfrey, and Hurricane brands during his tenure.