Harley-Davidson Names Two New Board Members

Leadership Changes at Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson has made significant changes to its board of directors, welcoming two new independent members to replace long-standing figures Sara Levinson and Norman Thomas Linebarger. Daniel Nova from Highland Capital Partners and Matt Reintjes from YETI Holdings will take up their positions immediately, marking a new chapter for the iconic motorcycle company.

Levinson and Linebarger had previously announced their retirements, following a proxy battle earlier this year led by H Partners. Their decision to step down was part of a broader shift in the company's leadership structure. In addition to these changes, Jochen Zeitz will be stepping down as CEO by the end of the month, with Artie Starrs set to assume the role on October 1.

New Directors Bring Diverse Expertise

Daniel Nova has been a General Partner at Highland Capital Partners since 1999, specializing in guiding companies through periods of transformation and growth. From 2020, he served as Chief Investment Officer of Highland Transcend Partners I Corp. Nova’s experience includes serving on the boards of public companies such as thredUP and Eversource Energy, where he was named Lead Independent Trustee in 2024. He will join the Human Resources, Sustainability and Safety, and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees of the Harley-Davidson board.

Matt Reintjes has been President and CEO of YETI Holdings since 2015, leading the brand's expansion into international markets. His career also includes executive roles at Vista Outdoor and Danaher Corporation, where he built a reputation for product innovation and operational excellence. Reintjes will serve on the Audit and Finance and Corporate Governance committees of the Harley-Davidson board.

Strategic Vision and Board Expansion

Troy Alstead, the Presiding Director of Harley-Davidson, highlighted the value that Nova and Reintjes bring to the board. "Daniel and Matt distinguished themselves during our search with their broad business expertise spanning commercial strategy, brand and product development, operations, supply chain, and finance," said Alstead. "These are skills that will be invaluable to Harley-Davidson, the Board, and Artie Starrs, as he steps into the CEO role later this year."

Nova expressed his excitement about joining the board, stating, "I am honored to join the Harley-Davidson board, and I look forward to working with the Board to continue building on the company's storied legacy and advancing its transformation to drive growth and value creation."

Reintjes shared his enthusiasm for the opportunity, saying, "Since 1903, the unique and iconic Harley-Davidson brand has represented a sense of freedom and the adventurous spirit of our riders. I am excited to join my fellow Board members in extending Harley-Davidson's cultural legacy and delivering further value for our stakeholders."

Transition and Gratitude

Levinson and Linebarger announced their retirements on September 9 and September 10, respectively. Alstead expressed deep gratitude for their service, noting, "We are deeply grateful to Tom and Sara for their years of dedicated service to Harley-Davidson and our shareholders. Throughout their tenure, they have guided the company through significant challenges with steady leadership and unwavering commitment."

With the addition of Nova and Reintjes, the board now includes four new independent members in the last three years. This change aligns with the company's ongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership and strategic direction. Additionally, Troy Alstead has been appointed as Presiding Director effective July 30, 2025, and Chairman of the Board effective October 1, 2025.

Looking Ahead

The changes reflect a strategic move to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to Harley-Davidson’s leadership. As the company continues to evolve, the new board members are expected to play a key role in driving growth and maintaining the brand's legacy. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and global expansion, Harley-Davidson is poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern market.