Suzuki Bid Martyn Ogborne A Fond Farewell And Promote Jon Coles

After an incredible career spanning 41-years with Suzuki, Martyn Ogborne will finally hang up his spanners in an official capacity for Suzuki GB PLC at the end of September, as he begins his well-deserved retirement.

Joining the Suzuki family in 1974, after being spotted while working as a privateer technician in the race paddock by the late, great Barry Sheene, Ogborne began his Suzuki career working as a grand prix technician.

Working in racing for Suzuki for over a decade, Ogborne shared many of Sheene's highs and lows, including two world titles, before leaving the full-time racing scene in 1988 to start a new adventure for Suzuki in the UK as a technical representative, latterly as Service Manager.

Friend, colleague and 1993 500cc World Champion, Kevin Schwantz, commented, "Oggy is an absolute legend and as a result of the many years we've worked together, also a true friend. His passion and enthusiasm for Suzuki and racing has no end, and while I know he'll be sorely missed by the global Suzuki family, he will continue to be a great representative. Of course, I've made sure he's still around to work on my bikes when I'm in Europe, but wish him all the very best for a happy and healthy retirement."

Stepping into Martyn's vast shoes at Suzuki GB as Technical Manager will be former Regional Manager Jon Coles. Also bringing a wealth of experience to the role, Coles comes with an extensive Suzuki technical background too, having worked in the Suzuki network, before joining Suzuki GB in 2007

James Richardson, General Manager, Service, added, "Clearly this is a bitter-sweet time for us at Suzuki as we say goodbye Martyn who has contributed so much to the business, but at the same time promote a highly experienced member of the team to the role of Technical Manager. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Martyn for a lifetime of commitment to Suzuki and welcome Jon to the office management team."

Jon joins the team with immediate effect, while Martyn's 41-year career with Suzuki will finish at the end of September.

ENDS

For further press information please contact the Suzuki GB Press Office (Motorcycles), Tel: 01525 270600.
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