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Dec. 27, 2010 – Husqvarna relocates, adds new leadership

Husqvarna North America, a subsidiary of the BMW Group, is moving its corporate headquarters to the West Coast and has established a new leadership team, the company announced.

The move includes a doubling of its staff, which will be led by Kris Odwarka, its new president.

Odwarka has been a longtime industry member, having at one time worked in parts and service departments at dealerships to support his racing in Colorado and New Mexico. He later worked for BMW in various positions in Europe and the United States for a decade before becoming sales director of ALPINA GmbH in 2002.

Odwarka, the company noted in a press release, brings experience with BMW, which will enable Husqvarna North America to more easily access BMW’s financing, distribution, sourcing and other company advantages.

Odwarka will join a team that will make its new home in Corona, Calif. The company said the move is being made to move Husqvarna North America “closer to the majority of the companies that serve the off-road industry, the media that reports on the industry and a healthy portion of consumers who participate in it.”

“We will be able to play a more active role in the marketing and selling of motorcycles by keeping the Husqvarna brand top of mind among off-road motorcycle enthusiasts,” Odwarka said.

The move to the West Coast, the company said, also will allow for more hands-on product development specific to the American market.

Besides naming Odwarka the company’s new president, other additions to the Husqvarna staff include:

  • Industry veteran Revelle Harrison as national sales manager. Harrison moves over from KTM, where he held various roles for the past 12 years, including serving as KTM’s national sales manager. Racing and trail riding have been favorite activities throughout Harrison’s life. “His ability to create structured programs that help dealers sell is combined with an understanding of when to apply creativity and create solutions that get results,” a press release stated
  • Former pro motocross racer Andy Jefferson as national aftersales manager. Jefferson rode for Pro Circuit Husqvarna through the early ’80s. He’s returning to the industry after spending the past 27 years in the document management industry, specializing in service, customer relations and project management. Jefferson has continued to participate in motorcycling since his pro racing days. Racing with the West Coast-based Husqvarna Zip-Ty Racing Team has given him hands-on experience with the full range of Husky products.
  • Industry veteran Corey Eastman as national marketing manager. Eastman has more than 17 years of motorcycle marketing experience, including serving as the marketing manager, director of marketing and most recently vice president of brand development for Cycle World Magazine. Eastman will be taking on all marketing, product development and racing activities effectively immediately. “We aim to make the Husqvarna ownership experience more inclusive,” Eastman said. “We are excited to get to work building the Husqvarna brand of the future.”

    Throughout 2010, Husqvarna North America expanded its professional race team to compete in AMA Enduro, GNCC, Endurocross, National Hare & Hound, the AMA Hare Scrambles Series, and WORCS competition. Husqvarna team riders have competed in the premier classes of each series aboard 2010 Husqvarna TXC 450, TXC 510, and WR 300 off-road models.

    Originally founded in Sweden in 1903, Husqvarna motorcycles have been designed and manufactured in Italy since 1987. PSB

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