Briggs & Stratton hires a couple industry vets

Briggs & Stratton Corporation has hired Randy Lockyear and Rick Wendt, both veterans of the commercial engine industry.

Briggs & Stratton Corporation has hired Randy Lockyear and Rick Wendt, both veterans of the commercial engine industry.

"Randy and Rick are both respected leaders in the commercial and industrial engine community and we're excited to have them lead our commercial sales team," said Joe Wright, SVP and president, Briggs & Stratton engines group. "We have made significant investments in commercial engine innovation and product offerings over the past few years. The addition of Randy and Rick, with their deep industry knowledge, significantly enhances the strength of our commercial sales team and reinforces our commitment to growing our commercial engine business and profitability."

Lockyear will take on the role of senior director of commercial sales, overseeing sales in North America of the company's commercial engines (especially those of the Vanguard brand). In his previous role, he served as national sales manager for North American/Australian engine sales for Kawasaki Motors Corp, where he has worked for over 20 years.

Meanwhile, Wendt will step in as director of commercial sales, with a focus on the light construction and utility commercial business. He hails from American Honda Motor Company, Inc., where he worked for over 30 years, most recently as national OEM sales manager.