From a press release issued by Advanstar:

Mike Vaughan Named Publisher of Dealernews Magazine

30-Year Powersports Industry Veteran Takes the Helm At Popular, Dealer-Focused Trade Magazine

Santa Ana, CA. – The magazine setting the standard for the powersports industry has just added another 30 years of experience to its well-reputed brain trust: Dealernews magazine today announced Mike Vaughan – former CEO of Triumph Motorcycles (America), Ltd. – as its new Publisher.

“Mike Vaughan reflects the solid industry know-how and forward-thinking innovation Dealernews is known for,” says Powersports Group Vice President, Mike Webster. “But he also brings a unique perspective to the magazine – significant experience on the OEM side of things – which will round out the quality and breadth of the publication, nicely. His dedication to the industry and his big-picture perspective will be instrumental to the future of Dealernews.”

Mike Vaughan’s experience spans the powersports industry. He’s served as a district manager, market researcher, and marketing manager, as well as CEO of a major OEM. According to Vaughan, he’s not only ridden out the business highs and lows of the industry, but also benefits from his perspective as a true, life-long enthusiast.

“I’m anxious to get started,” says Vaughan. “Together with the rest of the Dealernews team, my focus will be on taking the magazine to new heights. But before we can do that, we need to evaluate the needs of the industry. So my first order of business will be to get out and meet face-to-face with the industry – including dealers and manufacturers – to evaluate their needs and field their input.”

Mary Slepicka, former Publishing Director for the magazine, will now assume a new role as Editorial Director. Mary will head up a staff of long-time columnists – including industry veterans Don Brown and Eric Andersen – along with a growing stable of industry experts committed to taking Dealernews to new heights, editorially.

“This is a new and exciting time for the powersports industry, with all the new product growth, improvements and opportunities,” adds Tracy Harris, General Manager of the Powersports Group. “Dealernews is readying itself to face this new era hand-in-hand with the industry. Mary’s 20+ years of experience as a journalist and business editor, combined with Mike’s 30+ years of experience in the powersports business, gives Dealernews the strongest leadership of any trade publication in the marketplace.”

As for other structural changes to the Dealernews staff line-up, long time National Sales Manager Teri Aikin and Account Executive Tim Lee will be reporting directly to Mike Vaughan effective December 8th – along with a third “to be hired” Account Manager rounding out the sales team.

For more information on Dealernews magazine, please call Mary Slepicka at: (714) 513-8419 or visit: www.dealernews.com.

About Dealernews and the Powersports Group



Dealernews is The Voice of the Powersports Industry and the flagship magazine for powersports dealers. For nearly four decades, Dealernews has been delivering industry news, retail information, dealer profiles, market research and new product information to powersports dealers. The Dealernews family of publications includes the annual Sturgis Guide, Powersports Magazine and the Top 100 Yearbook. Visit www.dealernews.com for more information.

Dealernews is part of Advanstar Communications’ Powersports Group, which also produces the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® presented by Toyota Trucks, the Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo, Big Twin East, Big Twin West and the Dirt Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada.

About Advanstar

Advanstar Communications Inc. is a worldwide business information company serving specialized markets with high-quality information resources and integrated marketing solutions. Advanstar has 105 business magazines and directories, 80 trade shows and conferences, numerous websites, and a wide range of direct marketing, database and reference products and services. Advanstar serves targeted market sectors in such industries as art, automotive, beauty, collaboration/e-learning, CRM/call center, digital media, entertainment/marketing, fashion, healthcare, manufacturing and processing, pharmaceutical, powersports, science, telecommunications and travel/hospitality. The company has nearly 1,300 employees and operates from multiple offices in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.advanstar.com.