Harley tabs Johnson Controls executive to be next CEO
Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson Inc. has named Keith Wandell president and chief executive officer, succeeding James Ziemer, who is retiring. Wandell, 59, currently serves as president and chief operating officer of Glendale-based Johnson Controls Inc., a $38 billion global company.
Wandell, a 21-year Johnson Controls veteran, will start his new duties at Harley-Davidson May 1.
"Keith Wandell is a seasoned global business leader who brings tremendous energy, passion, and organizational and talent development capability to his job as Harley-Davidson’s new chief executive," said Harley-Davidson board member Barry Allen, who serves as the board’s presiding director. "His vision and values make him a great fit, and he is absolutely the right person to now lead Harley-Davidson on its exciting journey."
Regarding his appointment, Wandell said, "Harley-Davidson has a remarkable record of success and limitless possibilities. I am honored and thrilled to join the Harley-Davidson family and to have this opportunity to help it fulfill dreams, create innovative market-leading products, and expand its opportunities worldwide."
Harley also announced the following organizational leadership changes which, according to Allen, also will serve as a catalyst to drive Harley-Davidson’s strategies for growth, operational excellence and leadership development going forward:
Matthew Levatich becomes president and chief operating officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Levatich, 44, is currently president and managing director of MV Agusta, the Italian motorcycle maker that Harley-Davidson Inc. acquired last August.
In addition, James McCaslin moves to executive vice president for corporate product planning for Harley-Davidson, reporting to the CEO. In this newly created position, McCaslin has broad oversight of motorcycle product planning and development processes across the company. McCaslin, 60, has served as president of the company for the past eight years.
Enrico D’Onofrio, 51, assumes the post of managing director of MV Agusta. D’Onofrio joined MV Agusta as corporate general director earlier in 2009, overseeing all administrative functions, including finance and human resources. Previously he held senior management positions at motorcycle maker Ducati, including CFO, and at Proctor & Gamble in Europe.
All three appointments also are effective May 1.
"On behalf of the entire board of directors, I also want to thank Jim Ziemer for his 40 years of service to Harley-Davidson and wish him well on his upcoming retirement. All of us who have worked with Jim throughout the years have benefited from his leadership, his selfless commitment to the company, and his contributions to making the brand one of the most admired and successful brands in the world," Allen said.
