Harley-Davidson announced that the President and CEO Mathew Levatich Steps Down.

Levatich has spent 26 years as an employee with Harley-Davidson, taking over the CEO position almost 5 years ago. The Board of Directors has appointed current Board member Jochen Zeitz as Acting President and CEO. Currently Harley-Davidson is forming a committee and utilizing an external search firm to undertake the search for a new CEO. Levatich will assist with the transition through the end of March.

As part of this leadership change, Jochen Zeitz has also been named Chairman of the Board and will remain Chairman once a new CEO is appointed. Zeitz said, “The Board and Matt mutually agreed that now is the time for new leadership at Harley-Davidson. Matt was instrumental in defining the More Roads to Harley-Davidson accelerated plan for growth, and we will look to new leadership to recharge our business. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Matt for his 26 years of service to Harley-Davidson. He has worked tirelessly to navigate the Company through a period of significant industry change while ensuring the preservation of one of the most iconic brands in the world.”

Levatich said, “I am very fortunate to have spent many years with a company as revered as Harley-Davidson. The grit and determination of the employees and dealers and their passion for bringing our brand of freedom to people around the world has always been inspiring. I am proud of what we have achieved during my time as CEO, in one of the most challenging periods in our history, and I am confident that the progress we have made on the More Roads plan will position Harley-Davidson for long-term success.”

To read about more details on Harley-Davidsons transition click here.