Meet the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors

Harley-Davidson is a legendary American motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1903, and much of its success can be attributed to the strength and expertise of its Board of Directors. The board is comprised of a diverse group of professionals from various industries and backgrounds, whose mission is to steer the company towards growth and profitability while maintaining its core values and principles.

Who are the key people behind Harley-Davidson's success

The current Chairman of the Board of Directors at Harley-Davidson is Jochen Zeitz, a seasoned businessman with extensive experience in the automotive industry. He is also the CEO of Puma, an international sportswear brand. Zeitz joined the Harley-Davidson Board in 2007 and was appointed Chairman in 2020. Another key member of the board is President and CEO, Jochen Zeitz, who has been with the company since 2020 and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role.

The history of the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors

The Harley-Davidson Board of Directors has a rich history that dates back to the early years of the company. In the early 20th century, the board consisted of the Harley and Davidson families, who were the founders and primary shareholders of the company. Over the years, the board's composition has evolved to include more professionals from various industries, as the company grew and expanded its reach globally.

How the composition of the board has changed over time

As the motorcycle industry has changed over the years, so has the composition of the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors. Today's board is made up of 13 members, with a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise, including automotive, finance, and marketing. The current board members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the company, which is essential in ensuring the company remains competitive in a rapidly changing industry.

However, this was not always the case. In the early days of Harley-Davidson, the board was made up of mostly family members and close associates of the founders. It wasn't until the 1980s that the company began to diversify its board and bring in outside expertise.

Since then, the board has continued to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the company. In recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion, with the board actively seeking out members from different backgrounds and perspectives. This has helped to ensure that the company is better equipped to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing industry and meet the needs of a diverse customer base.

A breakdown of the current members and their roles

The current members of Harley-Davidson's Board of Directors are Jochen Zeitz, M. Michele Burns, Lawrence G. Hund, Sara L. Levinson, Brian Niccol, Sarah Raiss, Troy Alstead, Jeri L. Ward, Marissa T. Wesely, John Olin, Zeitz, Thomas J. Linebarger, Darrell L. Thomas, and R. John Anderson. Each member brings a unique set of skills and experience to the board, which are vital to the success of the company.

Jochen Zeitz is the current Chairman, President, and CEO of Harley-Davidson. He has been instrumental in leading the company's transformation plan, which aims to streamline operations and focus on core strengths. M. Michele Burns is the Lead Director of the Board and has extensive experience in finance and accounting. Lawrence G. Hund is a retired executive from Dow Corning Corporation and brings expertise in manufacturing and supply chain management. Sara L. Levinson is a marketing and branding expert, having previously served as the CEO of Kate Spade. Brian Niccol is the CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill and brings experience in the restaurant industry. Sarah Raiss is a former executive at Goldman Sachs and has expertise in finance and investment banking. Troy Alstead is a former executive at Starbucks and brings experience in global operations and supply chain management. Jeri L. Ward is a former executive at The Hershey Company and brings expertise in marketing and brand management. Marissa T. Wesely is a former executive at American Express and brings experience in corporate strategy and governance. John Olin is a former executive at Alcoa and brings expertise in manufacturing and engineering. Thomas J. Linebarger is the Chairman and CEO of Cummins Inc. and brings experience in the automotive industry. Darrell L. Thomas is a former executive at Ford Motor Company and brings expertise in manufacturing and engineering. R. John Anderson is a former executive at Levi Strauss & Co. and brings expertise in retail and consumer products.

What qualities make a successful board member at Harley-Davidson?

A successful board member at Harley-Davidson must possess several key qualities, including strong business acumen, excellent leadership and communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with others. Additionally, a board member should have a deep understanding of the company's values and mission and be committed to upholding them.

Another important quality for a successful board member at Harley-Davidson is a passion for motorcycles and the motorcycle industry. This passion can help drive the company forward and ensure that decisions are made with the best interests of the company and its customers in mind.

Furthermore, a successful board member should be able to think critically and make informed decisions based on data and analysis. They should be able to identify potential risks and opportunities for the company and work with management to develop strategies to address them.

The challenges facing the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors today

Harley-Davidson, like many other businesses, faces numerous challenges, including increased competition, changing consumer preferences, and a global pandemic. The Board of Directors must navigate these challenges while also keeping the company on track towards long-term success.

One of the major challenges that the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors faces is the shift towards electric motorcycles. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, there is a growing demand for electric vehicles, including motorcycles. Harley-Davidson has already introduced an electric motorcycle, the LiveWire, but it remains to be seen if this will be enough to keep up with the competition.

Another challenge that the Board of Directors must address is the aging demographic of Harley-Davidson's customer base. The company has traditionally appealed to older, male riders, but in order to remain relevant and attract new customers, they must find ways to appeal to younger generations and women. This may involve rebranding efforts, new marketing strategies, and the development of new products that appeal to a wider audience.

How does the board steer the company in times of crisis?

In times of crisis, the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors is responsible for making critical decisions that help guide the company through challenging times. This includes developing strategic plans, prioritizing key initiatives, and ensuring the company has sufficient resources to weather the storm. The board works collaboratively with the company's management team to ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards common goals.

One of the key roles of the board during a crisis is to communicate effectively with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and shareholders. This involves providing regular updates on the company's situation, outlining the steps being taken to address the crisis, and being transparent about any challenges or setbacks that may arise.

Another important aspect of the board's role during a crisis is to maintain a long-term perspective. While it is important to address immediate challenges, the board must also consider the company's future and ensure that decisions made during the crisis do not compromise the company's long-term viability. This may involve making difficult decisions, such as cutting costs or restructuring the business, but the board must always keep the company's best interests in mind.

Insights from interviews with key members of the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors

Through interviews with key members of the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors, we gain insights into their perspectives on the company, its mission and values, and the challenges facing the business. Most members of the board express a deep commitment to the company's values and long-term success. They acknowledge the challenges facing the business and are actively working to tackle them head-on.

One of the key challenges facing Harley-Davidson is the changing demographics of their customer base. Many of their loyal customers are aging and the company needs to attract younger riders to ensure future growth. The board members we spoke with emphasized the importance of innovation and adapting to changing market trends to appeal to a younger audience. They are exploring new technologies and partnerships to stay ahead of the curve and remain relevant in the industry.

Comparing Harley-Davidson's board to those of other motorcycle manufacturers

When comparing Harley-Davidson's board to those of other motorcycle manufacturers, several key differences emerge. For instance, some companies have larger boards with a more diverse range of members, while others have smaller boards with more specialized expertise. Ultimately, the composition of a company's board will depend on its unique needs and goals.

However, one notable difference between Harley-Davidson's board and those of other motorcycle manufacturers is the level of involvement of its members. Harley-Davidson's board is known for being highly engaged and hands-on, with members often participating in company events and interacting with employees at all levels. This level of involvement has been credited with helping to maintain the company's strong culture and sense of community.

The impact of recent events on Harley-Davidson's board and leadership

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Harley-Davidson's board and leadership. In early 2020, the company announced that Jochen Zeitz would take over as acting CEO in addition to his role as Chairman. The company's previous CEO, Matt Levatich, resigned amidst pressure from shareholders, and the company struggled to navigate the pandemic's impact on its business. In response, the board and leadership team initiated a significant restructuring effort to streamline the business and focus on core products.

As part of the restructuring effort, Harley-Davidson announced that it would be discontinuing several models in its lineup, including the Sportster and Softail lines. The company also announced plans to shift its focus towards electric motorcycles, with the launch of its first electric model, the LiveWire, in 2019. This move towards electric motorcycles is seen as a response to changing consumer preferences and increasing pressure to reduce emissions in the transportation sector.

Future prospects for the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors

The future of the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors looks bright, with a talented and committed group of professionals at the helm. The board continues to prioritize innovation and growth while also staying true to the company's values and legacy. As the motorcycle industry continues to evolve, the board remains vigilant and committed to positioning Harley-Davidson as a leader in the space for years to come.

One of the key initiatives that the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors is currently focused on is expanding the company's reach into international markets. With the rise of middle-class consumers in emerging economies, there is a growing demand for high-quality motorcycles, and Harley-Davidson is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The board is working to establish partnerships with local distributors and dealerships in key markets, as well as investing in marketing and advertising campaigns to raise brand awareness. By expanding its global footprint, Harley-Davidson is poised for continued success in the years ahead.

How shareholders view the performance and effectiveness of Harley-Davidson's board

Shareholders view the performance and effectiveness of Harley-Davidson's Board of Directors through several lenses, including financial performance, strategic decisions, and other metrics. The company's stock price is one important indicator closely watched by shareholders, and the board's performance is often judged by its ability to deliver long-term shareholder value. Overall, the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors has a solid reputation among investors and is viewed as a critical factor in the company's success.

What changes to expect from the board in upcoming years.

The composition and focus of the Harley-Davidson Board of Directors will continue to evolve in the coming years, as the company adapts to changing market conditions and strategic priorities. Key changes may include adding new members with unique expertise, increasing diversity within the board, and modifying its structure to better align with the company's goals and objectives.

Key takeaways from analyzing the structure, function, and impact of Harley-Davidson's Board of Directors

The Harley-Davidson Board of Directors is a critical factor in the long-term success of the company. The board is comprised of talented and experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds, who are committed to guiding the company towards growth and profitability. They face numerous challenges, including a rapidly changing industry landscape and a global pandemic, but remain focused on their mission and values. By analyzing the structure, function and impact of this board, we gain insights into how companies can thrive in a fast-paced, competitive environment.