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Powersports Business • February 2025 • 3

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company ( YMMC ) has announced that Robert Brown has been appointed president , effective December 30 , 2024 . Brown succeeded Takahiro Imanishi , who returned to Japan to assume a new position after serving as president of YMMC since 2020 . The company shares that Brown ’ s extensive background in manufacturing , his strong relationships within Yamaha , both globally and within the U . S ., and his focus on community engagement make him an exceptional leader .

Brown began his career at YMMC in May 2019 as Finance & Operations Support vice president . He helped guide the company through the challenges of the COVID−19 pandemic . He was later promoted to vice president of Manufacturing , where he helped develop the company ’ s strategic plan to optimize Yamaha ’ s manufacturing footprint in North America . His leadership has been instrumental in driving YMMC ’ s success in the ATV , side-by-side , water vehicle and golf car businesses .

For nearly five years , Brown has been a key figure at YMMC ’ s largest U . S . -based manufacturing facility in Newnan , Georgia . His work has been pivotal in achieving significant milestones and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence . Brown ’ s impact extends beyond the factory ; he has served as chair of the Coweta Grand Prix , a soapbox derby fundraiser promoting STEM education through hands-on learning and collaboration . Additionally , he has been an active member of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Coweta Community Foundation Board of Directors .

Brown also led YMMC ’ s Corporate Social Responsibility Committee , identifying engaging and impactful projects for employees to give back to the surrounding communities . His deep connection to Newnan , where he lives , underscores his commitment to local development and his role as an American president of YMMC .

“ I am honored to step into the role of president at YMMC ,” he says . “ Our team has shown incredible resilience and dedication , and I look forward to leading us into a new era of growth and innovation . At YMMC , we embrace the concept of ‘ Kando ’ – creating experiences that deeply resonate , inspire joy and inspire the heart and spirit . By bringing Kando to our employees and community partners , we aim to cultivate an enduring positive impact and build a stronger , more engaged community .”

Brown holds a degree in Accounting from Eastern Michigan University and completed the Global Executive Program facilitated by Hitotsubashi University , School of International Corporate Strategy . He is married and

Robert Brown has been a key figure at YMMC ’ s largest U . S . -based manufacturing facility in

Newnan , Georgia , and is now president of the company . Photo courtesy of Yamaha

has two children . In his spare time , Brown enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on Yamaha ’ s racing teams .”

YMMC employs more than 2,000 metro Atlanta residents to design and build recreational vehicles at its Newnan manufacturing facilities . Yamaha golf cars , side-by-sides and most of its WaveRunners and ATVs are manufactured at the facility in Coweta County , Georgia .

The Motorcycle Industry Council , the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America commend the recent bipartisan passage of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences ( EXPLORE ) Act , a groundbreaking step forward in enhancing outdoor opportunities , economic vitality and equitable access to public lands . The legislation is now headed to the president ’ s desk to be signed into law .

“ The powersports industry and the millions of recreational riders and drivers thank Senators Joe Manchin , John Barrasso and Congressmen Bruce Westerman and Raúl Grijalva for their leadership in passing the EXPLORE Act ,” says Christy LaCurelle , president and CEO of the MIC , ROHVA , and SVIA . “ A commitment to the outdoor recreation industry is an investment in the health and wellness of America .”

The EXPLORE Act signifies a pivotal moment for the outdoor recreation economy , strengthening its foundation for growth while addressing critical needs in underserved communities . This landmark legislation is a testament to the advocacy efforts of the MIC , ROHVA , SVIA , the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and outdoor industry partners .

The EXPLORE Act :

Expands access to outdoor recreation for all Americans , particularly those in underserved and urban areas .

Enhances opportunities for motorized and non-motorized recreation , ensuring diverse outdoor experiences for enthusiasts of all kinds .

Strengthens the outdoor economy by investing in infrastructure and resources that benefit recreation-based businesses .

Promotes sustainable use of public lands through modernization efforts and publicprivate partnerships .

Supports local businesses and gateway communities that rely on outdoor tourism and recreation .

This legislation also highlights the importance of collaboration between federal , state and local agencies to address evolving challenges in outdoor recreation .

“ This comprehensive , bipartisan legislation will allow more Americans to enjoy the outdoors by creating more opportunities for motorized access to federal recreational lands and by improving and modernizing recreation infrastructure , which in turn bolsters local communities and our nation ’ s economy ,” LaCurelle adds . “ The passage of the EXPLORE Act comes on the heels of the latest U . S . Bureau of Economic Analysis report , which showed that in 2023 , outdoor recreation generated $ 1.2 trillion in economic output and continues to be a significant driver of our nation ’ s economy , and motorcycling / ATVing is one of the top-five conventional outdoor recreation activities .”

In a LinkedIn post , BRP recently announced the retirement of Executive Vice President of Global Product Strategy Bernard Guy . BRP highlighted Guy ’ s dedication and contributions throughout his almost 38−year career at the company .

In June of 2023 , Guy took on the role of president of the company ’ s Marine Group in addition to his position as EVP of Global Product Strategy . At the time , BRP shared , “ Guy has held different management positions , leveraging his expertise in engineering , procurement , strategy , product planning , sales and marketing . In 2022 , he was named executive vice president of Global Product

Strategy , a position that he will continue to assume in addition to his new responsibilities with the Marine Group . As a die-hard powersports fan and an adrenaline lover who enjoys the great outdoors , he is driven by product innovation and rider experience .”

After taking over the leadership of the Marine Group in 2023 , Guy was named executive vice president of Global Product Strategy , Powersports and Marine , in January of 2024 .

BRP has announced that Bernard Guy , executive vice president of Global Product Strategy , will retire . Photo courtesy of BRP

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