American Motorcycle Dealer AMD 239 June 2019 | Page 21

Kuryakyn Expands Leadership Team - Adds Former H-D and Buell Execs Kuryakyn recently named powersports industry veterans Tony Stefanelli (left) and Lars LaVine to senior-level roles at the Somerset, WI-based company. Stefanelli is Vice President of Product Development & Engineering and Lavine is Vice President of Global Sourcing & Supply Chain Operations Greg Heichelbech, President of the Accessories Group of Motorsports Aftermarket Group (MAG), has moved to strengthen his senior management team at Somerset, Wisconsin based Kuryakyn with the appointment of former Harley-Davidson and Buell executives to new, strategic positions. Anthony Stefanelli is now Kuryakyn's Vice President of Product Development and Engineering, and Lars LaVine has joined the company as Vice President of Global Sourcing and Supply Chain Operations. Tony Stefanelli's career started with the space shuttle, fighter jets and stealth bombers and evolved to leadership roles in engineering at both Buell Motorcycle Company (a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson at the time) and EBR (Eric Buell Racing). His responsibilities at Buell had him leading the development of singles, street fighters, cafe racers and ADV tourers (the Buell Ulysses). In his role at EBR, he was responsible for the development of the EBR 1190RS Superbike and also a hybrid scooter for Hero Motors. Stefanelli is an accomplished open-wheel race driver and at one time was designated for a spot in the Indy Car CART Series. www.AMDchampionship.com West Point graduate and eleven-year Army veteran Lars LaVine spent 16 years at Harley-Davidson and Buell Motorcycle in sourcing, purchasing and manufacturing operations roles. These positions leveraged his acumen for developing high-level global sources for all types of motorcycle components and systems. LaVine developed partnerships with leading suppliers to deliver new technology to Buell motorcycles, such as ZTL (Zero Torsional Load) brakes and the industry's first ever production motorcycle which used the frame as a fuel cell (Firebolt XB9R). LaVine is a self- professed "motorsports nut," who's real passion started with road racing and has evolved from there. "Kuryakyn's continued success will be based on innovation, quality and connection with our customers," said Greg Heichelbech. "All three of us have worked side by side with some of this industry's icons and we are ready to make our mark at Kuryakyn. Tony and Lars are leading teams that will create and manufacture the newest, coolest and most exciting products in powersports." www.kuryakyn.com AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER - JUNE 2019 21