CEO Search Process Confirmed

Rhea-AI Summary

Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG) has announced that its Board of Directors is conducting a CEO search process following current CEO Jochen Zeitz's expression of interest to retire in 2025. The search was initiated in Q4 2024 with a leading executive search firm.

Zeitz, who will have completed five years as CEO, will remain in position until a suitable successor is appointed to ensure a smooth transition. The Board acknowledged his significant contributions, including the implementation of the Hardwire five-year strategic plan (2021-2025), brand reinvigoration, and leadership during challenging operational periods.

Harley-Davidson maintains controlling interest in LiveWire Group, the first publicly traded all-electric motorcycle company in the US, focusing on urban adventure and electric mobility innovation.

Positive

• Planned and orderly CEO transition process ensures leadership stability
• Successful execution of Hardwire five-year strategic plan (2021-2025)
• Strategic position in electric motorcycle market through LiveWire Group controlling interest

Negative

• Departure of successful CEO who led company through challenging periods
• Potential strategic uncertainty during leadership transition

Insights

Corporate Governance Specialist

The announcement of CEO Jochen Zeitz's planned retirement and ongoing succession process represents a significant transition point for Harley-Davidson. This planned departure comes as Zeitz completes a five-year tenure marked by the implementation of the Hardwire strategic plan (2021-2025).

While leadership transitions always introduce some uncertainty, several factors mitigate immediate concerns. First, this appears to be a well-orchestrated succession plan rather than an abrupt departure - the search process began in Q4 2024 using a leading executive search firm, suggesting thoughtful preparation. Second, Zeitz will remain until a successor is appointed, enabling continuity and knowledge transfer.

The timing aligns with the natural conclusion of the company's current strategic plan period, potentially allowing a new leader to shape the next phase of Harley's evolution. This is particularly relevant as the company navigates both its traditional motorcycle business and its stake in LiveWire, the electric motorcycle venture.

For long-term investors, CEO transitions warrant close attention as they often signal strategic inflection points. The Board's public acknowledgment of Zeitz's contributions in "reinvigorating the brand" during "challenging operating environments" suggests they recognize the importance of maintaining momentum while preparing for leadership evolution.

MILWAUKEE, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Harley-Davidson, Inc. (the "Company") (NYSE: HOG) today confirmed that it is engaged in an on-going CEO search process, as part of the Board's succession planning responsibilities.

The search process was initiated in Q4 2024 with the retention of a leading executive search firm after Jochen Zeitz, the current CEO, expressed his interest in retiring from the Company in 2025 after five years in the CEO position, and subject to the appointment of a suitable successor. Mr. Zeitz will remain as CEO until such successor is identified to ensure an orderly leadership transition.

The Board is grateful to Mr. Zeitz for his many significant contributions to the Company as CEO. These contributions include, but are not limited to, the creation and successful execution of the Hardwire, the Company's five-year strategic plan (2021-2025), reinvigorating the brand, and his leadership during one of the most challenging operating environments in the history of the Company.

Company Background
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Our ambition is to maintain our place as the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture by delivering a motorcycle lifestyle with distinctive and customizable motorcycles, experiences, motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get riders on the road. Harley-Davidson also has a controlling interest in LiveWire Group, Inc., the first publicly traded all-electric motorcycle company in the United States. LiveWire is the future in the making for the pursuit of urban adventure and beyond. Drawing on its DNA as an agile disruptor from the lineage of Harley-Davidson and capitalizing on a decade of learnings in the EV sector, LiveWire's ambition is to be the most desirable electric motorcycle brand in the world. Learn more at harley-davidson.com and livewire.com.

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SOURCE Harley-Davidson, Inc.

FAQ

When did Harley-Davidson (HOG) begin their CEO search process?

Harley-Davidson initiated the CEO search process in Q4 2024 with a leading executive search firm.

Why is Harley-Davidson (HOG) CEO Jochen Zeitz stepping down?

Jochen Zeitz expressed interest in retiring from the company in 2025 after completing five years as CEO.

What major achievements did Jochen Zeitz accomplish as HOG's CEO?

Zeitz led the creation and execution of the Hardwire five-year strategic plan (2021-2025), reinvigorated the brand, and guided the company through challenging operational periods.

Will there be an immediate leadership change at Harley-Davidson (HOG)?

No, Zeitz will remain as CEO until a suitable successor is identified to ensure an orderly leadership transition.