Big changes at Harley and MV

From MV Agusta

MILWAUKEE, WI – Harley-Davidson Inc. has named Matthew S. Levatich President and Chief Operating Officer of its Harley-Davidson Motor Company business unit.

Levatich, 44, is currently President and Managing Director of MV Agusta. He starts his new duties May 1.

Enrico D’Onofrio, 51, assumes the post of Managing Director, MV Agusta. D’Onofrio joined MV Agusta as Corporate General Director earlier in 2009, overseeing all administrative functions including finance and human resources. Previously he held senior management positions at motorcycle maker Ducati, including CFO, and at Procter & Gamble in Europe.

The announcements come in conjunction with the naming of Keith E. Wandell as President and Chief Executive Officer of the parent company, Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Levatich, a 15-year Harley-Davidson veteran, came to MV Agusta at the time of its acquisition by Harley-Davidson in August 2008, and spearheaded the restarting of MV’s operations. Prior to the move to MV, he held positions of increasing responsibility for Harley-Davidson in the U.S. and Europe, including Vice President and General Manager of the Company’s Parts and Accessories business, and Vice President of Materials Management.

“While I will miss the exciting work we are doing at MV and our terrific group of employees, I am honoured to have this opportunity to lead Harley-Davidson Motor Company as it fulfills dreams for customers around the world,” said Levatich.

“I am also extremely confident in Enrico’s abilities and passion to lead MV Agusta. He is an extremely strong leader with very good motorcycle industry experience. I look forward to celebrating MV Agusta’s successes under his leadership.”

“The appointment of Matt Levatich to the senior leadership position at Harley-Davidson Motor Company recognizes his demonstrated abilities at relationship management and as a strategic thinker and problem solver on the operations side of the business. He will be a strong leader in his new role,” said Harley-Davidson Board Member and Presiding Director Barry K. Allen. “We also look forward to growth for MV Agusta, under Enrico’s leadership.”