Thief River Falls, Minn. (May 18, 2009) - Intent to reduce his workload and focus more on his family, today Ole Tweet announced that he will step down from his position as General Manager, ATV Division. The change marks a watershed moment for a man and company whose success and contributions to the powersports industry have been seamlessly intertwined for four decades.
"It's impossible to adequately summarize Ole's vast influence on Arctic Cat as a company, or to convey his many contributions as a person," said Chris Twomey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Arctic Cat.
"We're a company blessed with many dedicated, passionate people," said Twomey, "And Ole would be the first to deflect any personal praise and say that he was just one of many. But I'm here to tell you that Ole has truly been one of the most influential and important. I'm not shocked that he wants to reduce his professional responsibilities, but I'd be lying if I said this change will be easy for him or his many friends at Arctic Cat, including me."
Tweet's career at Arctic Cat began in 1977 and reflects his considerable engineering and marketing skills, with titles that include Head of Engineering (1978 to 1981), Vice President of Marketing (1983 to 1992); Vice President of New Product Development (1992 to 2008) and most recently as General Manager of ATV.
The list of Tweet's contributions would fill several pages, but several significant highlights deserve mention. Chief among them was Tweet's key role in resurrecting Arctic Cat in 1983 following the bankruptcy and liquidation of Arctic Enterprises in 1981.
As the reborn company worked to reestablish itself in the snowmobile industry, Tweet spearheaded important and breakthrough marketing efforts that contributed to the company's monumental growth, including a build-to-order program that matched production with demand; close-to-the-customer communications via dealer newsletters and Cat's Pride Club/magazine; and memorable advertising campaigns that tapped into the brand's passionate, loyal customer base and the company's pioneering technology.
When Arctic Cat moved into the personal watercraft and All-Terrain Vehicle markets in the 1990s, Tweet guided the development and management of its Tigershark, ATV and Prowler products divisions.
Tweet also represented the company's involvement in various industry associations and governance efforts, working tirelessly on efforts to support responsible riding as well as battling outside efforts to reduce riders' rights and access to public lands. In recognition of these and other contributions, Tweet was inducted into the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in 2004.
"Ole has the brain of an engineer with the heart and instinct of a marketing professional," said Twomey. "That unique perspective and an unstoppable work ethic are the ingredients of his greatness."
While Tweet is stepping down from his role as GM of the ATV division, he isn't stepping away from Arctic Cat. He will continue an active role representing Arctic Cat in industry associations and corporate governance.
"I've enjoyed a great career, working alongside remarkable people, to help grow an incredible Minnesota-based company," said Tweet. "I'm ready to throttle back my workload and responsibility to focus more on my family. But I'm not walking away from Arctic Cat, and the company will progress forward with strong leadership and innovative talent."
Following Tweet's announcement, Arctic Cat President and Chief Operating Officer Claude Jordan will take over as interim GM of the ATV division.
About Arctic Cat:
Arctic Cat Inc. designs, engineers, manufactures and markets all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles under the Arctic Cat(R) brand name, as well as related parts, garments and accessories. Its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol "ACAT." More information about Arctic Cat and its products is available at www.arcticcat.com.