JOCHEN ZEITZ APPOINTED PRESIDENT AND CEO OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON

05/07/2020
Milwaukee , May 7, 2020 – Harley-Davidson announced today that Jochen Zeitz President and Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) , effective immediately . Zeitz president and CEO since February 2020 . Zeitz will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors. As previously mentioned, Thomas Linebarger, an independent member of Harley-Davidson's Board of Directors since 2008, has been appointed Chairman Director.

Linebarger said: “Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 crisis and recovery, and given the significant changes required within the company, cementing Jochen as CEO both the Board's confidence in him and Jochen's commitment to lead the company during these extraordinary times.

His two decades of experience as Chairman & CEO of a leading global company and brand, as well as his enthusiasm and determination to challenge everything about the company based on his turnaround experience, are exactly what we need now to Harley-Davidson to long-term success . He has the clear support of the board. “

Before being named Chairman, Acting President and CEO in February, Zeitz served on the Harley -Davidson Board of Directors and founded the company's Brand and Sustainability Committee . CEO of Puma for eighteen years from 1993 to 2011 and was also CFO of PUMA . Zeitz remained chairman of Puma after being appointed CEO of the sports and lifestyle division of luxury goods company Kering (formerly PPR) from 2011 to 2012. From 2012 to 2016, he was a director on Kering's board of directors.

Zeitz said: “In agreement with the Board, my decision President and CEO of Harley-Davidson reflects my deep passion and commitment to this company. During this extraordinary time of crisis, the well-being of our HD community my top priority as I execute our COVID-19 response plan to stabilize business, resume operations and recover.

I am also conducting a necessary and comprehensive overhaul of the company's structure, operating model and strategy as we adapt to the new post-COVID-19 realities. Over the next few months we will be rewiring the business and defining a new 5-year strategic plan . I will then oversee the implementation of these changes and Harley-Davidson as one of the most respected and recognized brands in the world. “

Photo credit: Harley-Davidson Milwaukee