Harley-Davidson Names Next CEO

MILWAUKEE – Harley-Davidson has announced that its current president and chief operating officer, Matthew S. “Matt” Levatich (pictured), will become the company’s next chief executive officer upon the retirement of Keith Wandell on May 1.

“We have accomplished a lot to reposition Harley-Davidson for a bright future,” said Wandell in a statement, “and the most important achievement has been the development of great leaders at all levels of the organization. Our executive team has been integral to the creation and execution of our strategy and assuring a strong company going forward.”

Levatich, 50, joined Harley-Davidson in 1994. Prior to becoming President and COO of Harley-Davidson Motor Company in May 2009, he held wide-ranging roles in the U.S. and Europe. Past leadership roles include Vice President and General Manager of Harley-Davidson’s Parts and Accessories business, Vice President of Materials Management, and President and Managing Director of the Company’s former MV Agusta business. In addition to an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Levatich holds a graduate degree in engineering management and an MBA from Northwestern University.

“Matt’s tremendous leadership abilities and track record, together with his drive for excellence and deep knowledge of the business, make him an outstanding choice as Harley-Davidson’s next CEO,” said Wandell. “He has been a driving force behind our focus as a customer-led organization, and the innovation and continuous improvement that are expanding Harley-Davidson’s industry leadership. I have great confidence in the company’s future under Matt’s guidance.”

“It’s a great honor to become the next CEO of this iconic company,” said Levatich. “As we look to the future, we believe there are tremendous opportunities to build on our many strengths. Harley-Davidson is one of the world’s most-powerful and revered brands, and through our strategies to provide unrivaled products and experiences for our customers, we aim to extend our reach and work to realize our full potential as a growing global company.”