Suzuki Motor of America Inc., (SMAI) announced the appointment of Kerry Graeber as the company’s new Vice President, Sales and Marketing. A former executive with the company, Graeber rejoins Suzuki to focus on strengthening the Suzuki brand in the American powersports market and expand the company’s recent sales success.
“Successful businesses are built on strong brand identity; that leads to sales growth,” said SMAI president Tak Hayasaki. “Kerry and I worked closely together through the early 2000s when I was Assistant to the President of American Suzuki and he was associate director of Brand Marketing and Advertising. We shared a belief of the ability of brand development as a means to increase sales and market share. I am happy to welcome Kerry back to the Suzuki family and am confident that Kerry can initiate strategies to communicate a stronger story for Suzuki’s future.”
“I’m appreciative of the opportunity to begin the process that yields a more powerful Suzuki identity among powersports enthusiasts,” said Graeber. “Suzuki has a rich performance heritage and a depth of success stories in America. Now, with a stronger emphasis on brand development, coupled with exciting new product in the pipeline and an ongoing commitment to sales support, we can increase customer loyalty, expand Suzuki’s market potential, and help our dealers grow an even larger family of Suzuki owners and riders to serve.”
Graeber has held key executive positions in the powersports industry. He served American Suzuki as associate director of Brand Marketing and Advertising through 2002 before gaining valuable experience as vice president of Communications for AMA Pro Racing. At Marketplace Events Motorcycle Group, Graeber developed the marketing strategy that lead to the successful launch of AIMExpo and most recently he directed the strategic efforts of Suzuki’s national advertising agency, Questus.
Suzuki will continue its commitment to supporting dealers through competitive sales programs and initiatives. Aggressive retail support coupled with a reinvigorated concentration on the brand will build a stronger Suzuki, commented Graeber.
Graeber is set to assume his responsibilities at SMAI on April 7.
