KTM North America recently announced that former Ducati executive Brad Hagi will serve as vice president of its newly formed Street Bike division.

Dealers first learned of the division and appointment during the KTM dealer meeting held in conjunction with last month's Indianapolis MotoGP.

“KTM has boldly created a new Street Bike division which will put more focus and strength on the on-road market,” the release stated.

KTM says Hagi, 46, has been in the motorcycle industry for 20 years. Previous to joining KTM, he worked for Ducati Motor Holding for 11 years and most recently was based in Italy as Ducati’s director of Distributor Sales Worldwide.

A graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in engineering, the American-born Hagi has always been an avid motorcyclist, riding both street and off-road, according to KTM. “His valuable knowledge and experience of the premium brand sportbike market make him the ideal candidate to take the KTM street bike sales to the next level,” the release stated.

KTM president Jon-Erik Burleson stated, “Building our street business is a key strategy in our long-term business plans. Despite any existing market conditions, we are in the business for the long haul and see our premium European street product lineup as crucial for the financial strength of both KTM and our dealers.

“Brad’s experience in the sportbike market speaks for itself,” he continued. “With his time spent living and working in Europe added to his experience here in the U.S., he brings the perfect balance to achieve KTM’s goal of being a successful European premium sport street brand in North America.”