Kawasaki names ex-auto exec new chief marketing and sales officer

News release

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) today announced the hiring of Richard N. Beattie, an experienced automotive industry executive, to the new position of Chief Marketing and Sales Officer, reporting directly to Tak Teranishi, KMC President.  Beattie will be responsible for marketing, sales, and product strategy for all of Kawasaki’s recreation and utility products in the United States, Central and South America. Team leaders Bill Jenkins, Chris Brull, and Shuji Yamazaki will report to him in his new role.

In addition to the hiring of Beattie, Jenkins was promoted from Vice President, Sales to Executive Vice President, Sales and Kris Carter, General Manager, Corporate Operations was promoted to Executive Vice President, Customer Services.

Beattie was responsible for marketing and sales at Jaguar Land Rover North America from 2002 to 2007, before taking over the position of Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Jaguar North America in 2009.  He also held the post of Chief Commercial Officer at Fisker Automotive, one of the first production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle companies.

Prior to this, he was VP Marketing, Sales, and Service at Lincoln Mercury, having risen through the ranks at Ford both in Europe and the United States, including a posting as President and CEO of Mazda’s North American operations. He brings a solid management record with premium and luxury automotive brands.

“Richard comes to our industry with credentials and experience that will build upon the strong progress KMC has made this year in growing our brand awareness and improving the quality of our market share,” said Teranishi.

Beattie owns and rides a touring motorcycle and also is an avid private pilot and a member of the Board of Directors of the Experimental Aircraft Association. He formerly served as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the University of California Irvine Business School.