22 • September 2024 • Powersports Business

Malibu Boats , Inc . has announced the appointment of Steven D . Menneto as its new Chief Executive Officer , effective August 5 . According to the company , Menneto also joined its board of directors , which will increase from nine to ten members .

Menneto joins Malibu Boats from Polaris , where he was most recently president of the Off-Road Vehicle Division . In that role , he nearly doubled the division ’ s revenue to $ 7 billion over four years while overseeing a large

Steve Menneto joins Malibu Boats as its next CEO after 27 years at Polaris . Photo courtesy of Malibu global manufacturing footprint . Menneto previously ran Polaris ’ Motorcycle Division , during which he drove significant growth , including building the Indian Motorcycle business from $ 3 million to approximately $ 500 million in revenue . Early in his career , Menneto owned his own Polaris dealership .

“ I want to thank Steve for the lasting contributions he made over his 27−year tenure at Polaris . We wish him the very best as he moves into this new chapter ,” says Polaris

Chief Executive Officer Mike Speetzen . “ I will be taking on more direct management of our largest business segment and am excited to work more closely with all the talented leaders and employees within Off-Road as well as with the dealer network .”

Since 1997 , Menneto has held various positions at Polaris , most recently as president of the Off-Road Vehicle Division from December 2019 to July 2024 . He was also president of the Motorcycle Division from May 2009 to

December 2019 , and prior to May 2009 , he held various sales roles at Polaris .

Menneto states , “ I am honored and excited to be named Malibu Boats ’ next CEO . I have long admired the company ’ s stellar track record , history of innovation and top of the line products . As I take on this role , I look forward to helping the company leverage its excellent growth opportunities . With the support of Malibu Boats ’ tremendous team , I believe there is a great deal we can achieve to build an even better business while continuing to provide the highest quality boats on the market and delivering for all our stakeholders .”

In connection with Menneto ’ s appointment , the CEO ’ s office , consisting of Ritchie Anderson , the company ’ s president , and Michael K . Hooks , the board chairman , will end . Hooks will remain the board chair , and Anderson will remain the company ’ s president .

“ We are thrilled to welcome Steve as our new CEO ,” Hooks comments . “ The Board conducted a comprehensive search process that included discussions with multiple highly qualified candidates who were attracted by the opportunity to lead a premier manufacturer with premium brands across multiple segments . Given the direct alignment of his experience , skill set , and track record with our business needs and strategic priorities , Steve emerged as the clear choice . He brings a well-rounded background with experience across functional areas , especially sales and distribution management . Steve has a demonstrated history of leading organizations through periods of growth and is the ideal candidate to build on our strong foundation and drive further value creation .”

Yamaha U . S . Marine Business Unit recently announced Monica Arroyave ’ s appointment as division manager of marine business planning . In her new role , Arroyave will lead efforts to create , communicate , and align Marine Business Unit strategic objectives across the organization . She will also provide analysis and insight for informed decision-making and leadership for mergers and acquisitions .

“ Monica is a strong asset to the marine business planning division . Her experience and unique skillset will help Yamaha better serve our dealers , builders , customers , and the marine industry overall as we continue to strengthen our business ,” says Andrea Tetto , director of marine planning , Yamaha U . S . Marine Business Unit . “ Monica ’ s unique perspective will help us grow our team and continue to foster improvements in a dynamic business environment .”

Prior to joining Yamaha , Arroyave served as a global sales and marketing executive for Michelin North America . She has more than 15 years of experience in B2B marketing , product management , market intelligence , strategy , sales and marketing for companies including Michelin North America , Inc ., Gilbarco Veeder-Root Company , AB Volvo , and Cummins , Inc . Arroyave also gained B2C sales and marketing , and supply chain experience through positions held with Procter & Gamble Company and Grupo Nutresa S . A .

Arroyave reports directly to Andrea Tetto , director of marine planning .

Yamaha ’ s U . S . Marine Business Unit , based in Kennesaw , Georgia , is responsible for the sales , marketing , and distribution of Yamaha Marine products in the U . S ., including Yamaha Outboards , Yamaha WaveRunners , Yamaha Boats , G3 Boats , Skeeter Boats , and she supports 2,400 dealers and boat builders nationwide .

Yamaha ’ s new division manager of marine business planning , Monica Arroyave .

Photo courtesy of Yamaha Marine

Bennington , a pontoon boats manufacturer and subsidiary of Polaris , has announced its dealer recipients of the National Marine Manufacturers Association ( NMMA ) 2023 Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction Index ( CSI ) Awards . There were 146 Bennington dealers recognized this year .

The NMMA uses dealer satisfaction data collected through the Marine Industry CSI program to recognize boat dealers who actively measure customer satisfaction and pursue continuous improvements to better serve their customers .

The 2023 CSI Award dealer recipients achieved an independently measured standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction over the past program year . Data is collected through a survey of customers who purchased a new boat between January 1 , 2023 , and December 31 , 2023 . For this reporting period , the program surveyed more than 175,000 customers .

“ Bennington has the best dealers in the industry , and every year it is proven again and again ,” says Michael Shedivy , general manager of Bennington Marine . “ Thank you to all our dealers for their tireless efforts to give our customers the luxurious experience that they deserve and thank you to the NMMA for recognizing the hard work of our dealers . Our unmatched service and dedication to provide exactly what our customers

This year , 146 Bennington dealers were recipients of the National Marine Manufacturers Association 2023 Marine Industry CSI Awards . Photo courtesy of Bennington

need is what makes Bennington the number one brand in the pontoon segment , and we ’ re grateful to our dealers for all they do .” The complete list of boat dealers honored with

2023 CSI Awards for their efforts to increase customer satisfaction levels in the boating industry are listed on the Boat Satisfaction website .