Motorcycle Industry Council Announces 2017 Board of Director Election Results
Ackerman, Leisner and Puma Join Experienced Team of Powersports Industry Leaders
IRVINE, Calif. –The members of the Motorcycle Industry Council have elected Paul Puma to the 2017 MIC Board of Directors. In addition, Arnold W. Ackerman and Andy Leisner have each been reelected to the MIC board. All three will serve two-year terms.
“From a list of highly-qualified candidates, the members of the MIC have voted in two returning Directors, Arnie Ackerman and Andy Leisner, and a new face to the MIC Board, Paul Puma, but by no means a new face to motorcycling,” said MIC President and Chief Executive Officer Tim Buche. “The MIC is the place where competitors come together and collaborate to solve issues that are facing our industry as a whole. Our 2017 Board of Directors is solid, made up of individuals who are fully committed to the success of our industry and ready to tackle the key opportunities facing all of us in the years to come.”
Two MIC Directors have announced their retirement from the MIC Board: previous MIC Board Chairman Dennis McNeal, who has also retired from his position of vice president of motorcycle operations with Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, and Don Emde, owner/president of Don Emde Inc.
Arnold W. Ackerman is Chairman Emeritus and Founder of Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG). MAG, a 15-year MIC member, has successfully acquired leading brands in the motorsport parts and accessories aftermarket to leverage its combined strength in marketing, advertising and back-office services. Ackerman’s background includes many top positions in the powersports, manufacturing and aerospace industries. He is an experienced businessman, professional investor and lifelong motorcyclist. Ackerman is the current Chair of the MIC Aftermarket/Allied Trades Committee.
Andy Leisner, vice president/group publisher of Bonnier Motorcycle Group, representing 11 motorcycle media brands, began riding motorcycles at the age of six. He raced motorcycles all through his formative years, beginning with amateur motocross and working his way up to the AMA 250 Grand Prix Nationals and the 250 World Championship. Prior to joining Bonnier, Leisner was the managing partner of Hardcard Holdings LLC, and had held top positions with Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, AMA Pro Racing and Cycle World. He is married with three children, ages 10, 14 and 19.
Paul Puma, executive vice president of Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution, has been a motorcycle enthusiast for over 50 years and has worked in our industry for over 31 years. In 1985, Puma went to work for ITT Commercial Finance, managing the Motorsport Unit. He continued in this capacity throughout the years and several acquisitions – including the recent acquisition by Wells Fargo in March of 2016. Puma’s unique position gives him the opportunity to work at the wholesale and retail levels with key individuals from many motorcycle manufacturers.
Going into 2017, Ackerman, Leisner and Puma join elected directors Eric Anderson, founder and president of VROOM Network; Michael Peyton, vice president of BMW Motorrad USA; and Jim Woodruff, chief operating officer with National Powersport Auctions. The remaining directors, appointed by MIC’s maximum-dues-paying member companies, are Chuck Boderman, vice president, motorcycle division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; Russ Brenan, senior advisor, government relations & public affairs, Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; Mike Doughty, general manager, motorcycle sales and marketing, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.; Kerry Graeber, vice president MC/ATV sales & marketing, Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.; John Hinz, president KTM North America, Inc.; and Paul Vitrano, vice president, global government relations, Polaris Industries Inc.
The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers, distributors, dealers and retailers of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, ROVs, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts, accessories and related goods and services, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.
The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at mic.org.