NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR AT HARLEY-DAVIDSON UK
23 June 2004 - Harley-Davidson UK

Harley-Davidson UK has appointed Mike Kennedy as its new managing director.

Born and bred in Harley-Davidson’s hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mike has been with the Motor Company for 15 years and is now based at the famous motorcycle company’s UK head office.

Starting as a trainee in the sales department at Harley-Davidson’s Juneau Avenue headquarters, Mike quickly progressed through the ranks, spending time in field sales, dealer development, sales management and most recently as the director of marketing for Harley-Davidson genuine parts and accessories. In this most recent position he led all marketing activities for the Parts & Accessory group, including Harley-Davidson branded racing activities and marketing for the ultra-exclusive Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) department.

Taking over from Garry Brumfitt, who has assumed a new role as Harley-Davidson’s director of European affairs, Mike said: “Harley-Davidson UK has achieved six years of record growth and I’m looking forward to the challenge of continuing that trend. With Harley-Davidson motorcycles, our bespoke UK training facility Rider’s Edge and the UK Harley Owners Group, now over 13,000-strong, we’re continuing to grow in such an important motorcycling market.

“Most of this growth can be attributed to a very strong dealer network. I’ve already been able to meet many UK dealers and they are all tremendous supporters of the brand. They want to grow and are willing to invest in the business, and we’ll be working closely with them.

“Buell sports machines have doubled in sales over the last year. The experience of riding a Harley-Davidson or Buell is unique, and our dealerships and customers share those experiences with us. I’m eager to ride with our UK customers and welcome new people into the brand.”

Married to Nancy for 10 years and with three children, Lauren (8), Lyndsay (7) and Nick (3), Mike currently rides a 2003 100th Anniversary, heavily customised Road King; complete with ‘ghost flames’ custom paint, custom wheels, “slammed suspension and too much chrome to list”.

Like so many of the Motor Company’s employees, Mike is as enthusiastic about motorcycling as Harley-Davidson’s customers. For the past six years Mike has attended the annual Sturgis rally, riding the 1,000 miles from Milwaukee to Sturgis in South Dakota. “Some of the best rides are just getting out for an afternoon with friends, but the countryside is fantastic from Wisconsin to Dakota, and I’d recommend that ride to anyone.”

For more information on Harley-Davidson or to find your nearest dealership visit www.harley-davidson.co.uk or call 0870 904 1450.

The Harley-Davidson range starts with the Sportster XL883 at £5,195 and includes the multiple award-winning V-Rod at £14,095.

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