Agri-Industrial Plastics Acquires New Facility

Share On Social

Kioti Tractor Makes Personnel Changes

Kioti Tractor, a division of Daedong-USA Inc., has announced key leadership changes to strengthen its growth strategy across North America. The company added Don Lowe as vice president of North American sales and promoted Tim Phillips to vice president of sales operations.

With more than 30 years of experience in sales, dealer development, and strategic growth within the agricultural and compact construction equipment industries, Lowe will play a key role in expanding Kioti’s market presence for Kioti, which has an extensive network of more than 500 dealers throughout North America.

Meanwhile, Phillips, a 20+ year veteran of Kioti, will leverage his deep knowledge of the company’s sales operations and dealer network to drive efficiency and growth in his new role, according to the Kioti statement.

“We are excited to welcome Don to the Kioti team and recognize Tim’s well-deserved promotion,” says Ryan Kim, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Kioti Tractor. “Don brings fresh ideas and a strategic mindset that will help drive dealer expansion and market growth, while Tim’s deep expertise and long-standing commitment to the brand will ensure operational excellence and continued support for our dealers and customers. Together, their leadership will be instrumental as we strengthen our presence across North America.”

Prior to joining Kioti, Lowe held various leadership roles at Kubota Tractor Corp., where he managed national sales teams, dealer programs, and strategic initiatives that increased market share and customer reach. His deep understanding of the equipment industry and commitment to dealer success make him a valuable addition to the Kioti leadership team.

Since joining Kioti in 2003, Phillips held several key positions including territory manager, eastern regional manager, and most recently, national sales manager. His extensive experience across these roles provide him with a deep understanding of Kioti’s dealer network, customer needs, and operational priorities.

During his tenure, Phillips successfully led the launch of new product segments, including zero-turn mowers in 2019 and compact construction equipment in 2023, contributing to consistent market share growth. His time in the field as a territory sales manager from 2003 to 2017 earned him valuable market and dealer insights, which continue to inform his strategic leadership. Phillips also spearheaded the implementation of Kioti’s sales and operations planning process and played a leading role in expanding the dealer network. In his new role, Phillips will oversee sales operations, market intelligence, marketing, and inside sales, driving continued growth and operational excellence across North America.

Latest News

Yakta Unveils Full Production Line

Yakta, building upon 35 years of manufacturing excellence through its sister company Arrowquip, transfers a customer-focused approach to the zero-turn mower industry and has announced full-scale production of its range of zero-turn mowers. Fresh off the success of last year’s Equip Expo prototype display, Yakta’s production lineup, including the YXR 710, YXR 610 and YXR 410, with the YXR 910 soon to follow, boast industry-shattering durability, from their strong I-beam caster arm construction to their 7-ga. steel decks—strength that sets a new standard in mower resilience.

Rotary Announces New Additions to Sales Team

Rotary Corporation has appointed two new territory sales managers as it expands the sales division to meet the needs of a growing dealer network, according to an announcement by Mark Smith, Chief Sales Officer.

Lightspeed DMS Appoints Brian Provost CEO

Lightspeed DMS LLC, a recreational dealer management software provider, has announced that Brian Provost has been appointed chief executive officer, succeeding Kris Denos. Lightspeed offers a comprehensive, modern dealer management software platform and suite of solutions used by 3,800 North American locations. Lightspeed is a subsidiary of Brookfield Business Partners, the flagship listed vehicle of Brookfield Asset Management’s Private Equity Group. Brookfield Partners owns and operates businesses like Lightspeed that provide essential products and services and which benefit from a strong competitive position.