Polaris said it appointed Ben Duke president of its marine division. Duke succeeds Jake Vogel, who has overseen the Polaris marine brands since Polaris acquired the Vogel family’s Boat Holdings in 2018.
Vogel is transitioning to a strategic advisory role at Polaris, the company said in a statement yesterday.
“The Vogel family’s immense impact on the pontoon and boating industry are evident by the powerhouse Bennington, Godfrey and Hurricane brands,” Polaris CEO Mike Speetzen said. “Jake has overseen their continued success, and we are deeply appreciative of his contributions, including growing revenue over the past three-year period and setting the brands on a path for continued long-term success.”
Duke joined Polaris in 2019 as general manager for the Godfrey and Hurricane brands. Previously he was an executive at Briggs and Stratton and Mercury Marine.
“We’re excited to have Ben take the baton from Jake and lead us into the next chapter for Polaris Marine,” Speetzen said. “While managing our Godfrey and Hurricane businesses, Ben has increased market share and improved profitability, while improving efficiency and employee health and safety at the plant.”
Duke said it is a “privilege to take on this leadership role, building on the incredible legacy that Jake and his family have created with these brands and advancing Polaris’ marine business.”
