From Yahoo Finance: 2025-04-29 11:18:00

Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz may be succeeded by CFO Jonathan Root, according to a shareholder proxy battle with H Partners. The investment firm, owning a 9.1% stake, seeks leadership changes and questions Zeitz’s decision-making capabilities. Three potential CEO candidates, including one supported by H Partners, failed to gain majority board support.

H Partners calls for Harley-Davidson CEO Zeitz’s resignation, citing a failed Hardwire plan and lack of accountability from the board. The firm urges shareholders to withhold votes for Zeitz and two directors at the upcoming annual meeting. They suggest CFO Jonathan Root as an interim CEO, claiming he effectively manages day-to-day operations.

Harley-Davidson faced financial struggles in 2024, reporting a net loss of $117 million for Q4. H Partners argues for leadership change, pointing to missed metrics under Zeitz’s Hardwire plan. The firm pushes for Zeitz, Presiding Director Linebarger, and Director Levinson’s resignations, seeking alignment with shareholder interests.

CFO Jonathan Root, a long-time company veteran, could step in as an interim CEO, according to H Partners. Root, appointed CFO in 2023 and president in 2024, has been effectively managing daily operations. Harley-Davidson’s annual meeting is set for May 14, with ongoing tensions between the company and H Partners.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: Harley-Davidson CEO recommended CFO as successor, shareholder says