The long serving General Manager of KTM Australia needs no introduction. Jeff Leisk is one of the most important figures in Australian motorcycling, particularly to the offroad scene where he is both one of the most successful and talented racers this country has ever produced, and in business where he steered KTM to some of its most important wins on the world stage. Think Craig Anderson’s motocross and supercross titles, on a brand he was ridiculed for switching to but guided by Leisky they simply blew everyone away. Think Toby Price breaking the Finke win record and making it all look too easy. Think Kirk Gibbs winning the MX Nats. Think Dan Milner and Daniel Sanders blowing minds both here and at the ISDE.
All through his tenure at KTM Jeff has remained approachable and a supportive figure for the industry, putting the company’s money behind events far and wide even in times where many others reigned-in damn near all spending. From the development of pro riders to junior racing support and running teams at the highest level of competition. To adventure rallys and trade shows, KTM has remained visible and eager to encourage anyone anywhere to ride a motorcycle. This is Jeff’s influence.
Jeff was in fact an early columnist for DIRT ACTION and for all of us working here to this day, he’ll be missed. We welcome his replacement,
Brad Hagi, who has spent three years as President of KTM Asia, it’s certainly a tough time to be taking control but hopefully this wont last too much longer.
From everyone here at DA and our sister magazines, Ultimate Adventure Bike and Road Rider, we wish Leisky the very best for the future and congratulate him on the legacy he’ll leave behind. No doubt he’ll have more time to spend on a bike now and can’t be a bad thing!
