NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON CEO
Tyler Hopper
AllAboutBikes Staff-Writer
He’s an outsider; He doesn’t even own a motorcycle; He doesn’t know the heritage of Harley-Davidson motorcycles; He’s all about change. These are just a few of the rumors floating around on the World Wide Web about new Harley-Davidson CEO Keith Wandell. He is currently the President and Chief Operating Officer at Johnson Controls Inc., a Milwaukee based manufacturer of automotive parts.
Yes, Keith Wandell is an outsider, so to speak; he comes from outside of Harley. But that isn’t a bad thing. “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, Inc. Board Member Barry K. 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.”
In this economy, it is crucial for an American company to be open to change. And if Keith Wandell is looking to change Harley, that would be change in a good way. I don’t think Keith Wandell is planning on changing anything that deals with the heritage of the company; so you cruiser-lovers are safe. He may be changing the way Harley manufacturers motorcycles. In order to be successful in this economy American companies need to rethink the basis of their organizational structure, which tends to be very tall. Regarding his appointment as CEO, 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.”
Keith Wandell may not own a Harley, but part of the heritage of Harley-Davidson is one that runs deep inside every blue-blooded American. Especially, living in Milwaukee for more than fifteen years, Keith Wandell understands that the heritage of Harley coincides with the American way of life. Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders choose Harley because they believe that Harley is one of the few companies that support the American working man. Wandell won’t mess with the heritage of Harley; I know this because any educated man will tell you that you don’t mess with a winning strategy. You would be hard pressed to find any brand with as much power as that of Harley.
Apart from new ideas pertaining to the organization, Wandell brings refreshing insight to markets in which the manufacturer could expand. Though Wandell will be sailing in uncharted waters, the new Captain will have his work cut out for him; competing with Japanese manufacturers is the main cause for rough waters in the new territory. This is where his skills as a business leader, his experience cost cutting, and his organizational development capabilities will be tested. If you’re looking forward to seeing H-D dirt bikes, or H-D four wheelers, you may have to wait a few years. I look forward to seeing the direction Wandell takes Harley in the future, and I can’t wait to see the innovations and ideas he brings to the company.
