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Amidst recent rumors, Ducati has officially announced that its CEO of North American operations, Michael Lock, will step down at the end of July to pursue other opportunities.

Since Lock took the reins in North America in late 2003, Ducati has bridged the gap from something of a novelty brand to what is perhaps the most feared and admired European motorcycle brand. Ducati owners may still crave an exclusive, somewhat eccentric image, but the brand has become very mainstream in the U.S. and Canada, competing at the top of several segments and boasting a robust dealer network. With waiting lists for new models and a full apparel collection to further pad the bottom line, we don't see the momentum slowing much in years to come. In the interim, Ducati N.A. will be run by VP of Sales for Ducati Holdings, Christiano Silei. As far as a long-term plan, expect to see a new CEO appointed soon.

And what of Michael Lock? Why would the successful executive leave when he's at the top of his game? Well, we suspect "other opportunities" to involve plenty of cash and a new challenge for the former Ducati captain. Who knows, maybe Triumph hired him back? Hit the break to view the official press release.