MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 16, 2016) – Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced that Marlys Knutson, External Relations Manager, has announced her intent to retire at the end of the year, after 33 years with Polaris.
Since joining the company in 1983, Marlys has served in a variety of roles, including Marketing Communications, Government Relations, and Corporate Communications.
Marlys has made significant contributions to Polaris during her three decades with the company – including working to advance the sport of snowmobiling, planning dealer meetings, and building Polaris’ reputation as a snowmobile leader through her work with snowmobile enthusiast media.
In recognition of her dedication and contributions to the company, Marlys was inducted into the Polaris Hall of Fame in 2008.
“Polaris and snowmobiling have been my passion for more than half of my life,” said Knutson. “The lifelong friendships I’ve made around the globe are special and it’s been my pleasure to work together with the best team in powersports and watch the tremendous growth and diversification of Polaris. While I am moving on to the next phase of my life, I hope to continue to be involved with the snowmobile community.”
Craig Scanlon, Chief Marketing Officer, said, “There’s a reason that Marlys has the honor of being the only active employee inducted into the Polaris Hall of Fame. It was her combination of passion, dedication and loyalty that has truly set her apart. Marlys has been a driving force behind the Polaris brand during her three decades with the company and we will miss her greatly.”
Marlys added this personal note the next day: "Following yesterday’s announcement of my retirement, I am excited to share additional news today on who will carry-on my media relationships with the Snowmobile endemic media. I’m very excited and will sleep better at night knowing the Snowmobile media is in the very professional and capable hands of Donna Beadle. Donna and I have worked together for the past 11 years and she is excited to continue to build her relationships with the Snowmobile Media and become totally involved with everything snowmobiling. In usual Polaris fashion, I have been asked to provide support to several Snowmobile events throughout 2017 to make sure there is an easy and seamless transition between my easing into retirement and Donna assuming my Snowmobile roles. At this point, I have been asked to attend Snow Shoot, MNUSA Winter Rendezvous and the International Snowmobile Congress. I don’t want to cut you off cold-turkey, so expect to see me around!"
