Harley-Davidson, Inc. has named Matthew S. (Matt) Levatich, currently President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, to succeed Keith Wandell as President and Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc upon Wandell’s retirement May 1, 2015. Levatich has also been elected to the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors.
Levatich, 50, joined Harley-Davidson in 1994. Prior to becoming President and COO of Harley-Davidson Motor Company in May 2009, past leadership roles included 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.
Levatich (pictured) has an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering , a graduate degree in engineering management, and an MBA.
“It’s a great honour 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 unrivalled products and experiences for our customers, we aim to extend our reach and work to realize our full potential as a growing global company.”
Levatich was the man who originally spilt the beans that Harley-Davidson had a new LAMS bike in its armoury, which is now the Street 500.
“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.”
Wandell, 65, became President and CEO of Harley-Davidson, Inc on May 1, 2009, and was elected Chairman in February 2012.