Harley-Davidson Board Challenges Resignation Claims, Defends CEO Search Integrity

Harley-Davidson has responded to the unexpected resignation of board member Jared Dourdeville by disputing his characterization of events surrounding the company’s ongoing CEO succession process. The company revealed that Dourdeville, a representative of shareholder H Partners, resigned on April 5 after the board declined to endorse his preferred CEO candidate.

According to Harley-Davidson, the board had advanced three finalists for the CEO role following current CEO Jochen Zeitz’s planned retirement later this year. While Dourdeville strongly supported one candidate, none received a majority vote from the board’s independent directors. The company noted that a 4-4 vote showed a divided view among directors, reinforcing their independence and fiduciary responsibility to all shareholders.

Shortly after the vote, Dourdeville sent a letter criticizing the board and demanding resignations from several directors he had previously supported for re-election. Despite agreeing to attend a meeting scheduled to address his concerns, he resigned before the discussion took place.

The company denied claims that it accelerated its proxy filing in reaction to Dourdeville’s complaints, stating the filing date had been set months earlier and was not adjusted. It also rejected suggestions that the board had acted against the interests of shareholders, instead emphasizing Dourdeville’s past support for current leadership and strategy.

Harley-Davidson expressed concern that Dourdeville’s actions, including public criticism and disclosure of internal board deliberations, could disrupt the CEO search and strategic execution. The board reaffirmed its commitment to an orderly transition and long-term value creation for shareholders.