What You Need to Know
Harley-Davidson has appointed a new CEO. After what many consider to be a challenging five years under Jochen Zeitz’s leadership, the company now welcomes Arthur “Artie” Starrs.
Mr. Starrs was, most recently, the CEO of Topgolf International. Before that he was the CEO of Global Pizza Hut, President & Chief Financial Officer of Untied States Pizza Hut, and Chief Financial Officer of Rave Cinemas.
In a quick interweb search I could find no evidence that he rides any type of motorcycle.
My Take
I’m not convinced that a lateral move is what Harley-Davidson needed. Transitioning from a cultural warrior to a financial officer doesn’t inspire confidence in me.
I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!! 
I can’t see Ford hiring the Panera Bread CEO to take over an iconic automotive company so why had HD made another illogical hire?
the last move was like Marlboro replacing the Marlboro man with a short guy from Asia.
HD needs some help.
I can’t see Ford hiring the Panera Bread CEO to take over an iconic automotive company so why had HD made another illogical hire?
the last move was like Marlboro replacing the Marlboro man with a short guy from Asia.
HD needs some help.
They do need some help. Not only does the CEO need to go, so does the board of directors.
I did read yesterday in a FB post from Maverick HD in Carrollton, TX the new CEO did get his motorcycle license recently.
Something needs to change to save HD.
Maybe they’re hoping that a non-biker will be better able to reach non-bikers to pull them into the fold.
Bikers are going to do biker things and will only connect with the people that are already spending money on the lifestyle.
We need new blood (and of course, new money) to keep things going. Once the various biker events start dipping into the red, as Joe Exotic would say, we’re never gonna financially recover from this.
Your not worn, the big problem is Gen Z is not riding anything but electric push scooters and bicycles.
I agree HD and the industry need new ideas but I have concerns that a CFO and Pizza guy is the right choice. Like I said, I have not seen anything that even states that he rides.