Harley-Davidson Appoints Two New Board Members

Motorcycle.com Staff
by Motorcycle.com Staff

Board veterans Levinson and Linebarger retire

Harley-Davidson has named two new independent directors to its board, replacing long-standing members Sara Levinson and Norman Thomas. Daniel Nova of venture capital fund Highland Capital Partners and Matt Reintjes of outdoor brand YETI Holdings will join the board of directors immediately, filling the positions of Levinson and Linebarger who announced their retirements last week.


Levinson and Linebarger reportedly promised they would resign after they survived a proxy battle engaged by H Partners earlier this year. Jochen Zeitz will also be stepping down as Chief Executive Officer by the end of the month, with Artie Starrs set to replace him on October 1.


Since 1999, Nova has served as General Partner of Highland Capital, specializing in advising companies through periods of transition. From 2020, Nova served as Chief Investment Officer of special purpose acquisition company Highland Transcend Partners I Corp. Nova will join the Harley-Davidson board's Human Resources, Sustainability and Safety, and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees.


Reintjes has served as President and CEO of YETI since 2015, overseeing the company's expansion into international markets. He will join the Harley-Davidson board's Audit and Finance, and Corporate Governance committees.


Begin Press Release:

Harley-Davidson, Inc. Announces Appointment of Two New Independent Directors

Harley-Davidson, Inc. ("Harley-Davidson") (NYSE: HOG) today announced that its Board of Directors ("Board") has appointed two new independent directors, Daniel Nova and Matt Reintjes, effective September 15, 2025. Mr. Nova currently serves as General Partner of Highland Capital Partners, a venture capital fund. Mr. Reintjes is President and Chief Executive Officer at YETI Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: YETI).

"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. 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," said Troy Alstead, Presiding Director. "Daniel has a proven track record of investing in and advising companies through transformative growth, coupled with his deep corporate governance, finance, and capital allocation experience. Matt brings the perspective of a successful, tenured CEO of a public company, leading a premium outdoor brand with an intensely loyal customer base, and the demonstrated ability to create innovative products and spur international growth. Their strengths will further enhance our Board, support the execution of our strategy and help propel Harley-Davidson toward its future vision."

Mr. Nova has served as a General Partner of Highland Capital Partners, a venture capital firm, since 1999. At Highland Capital Partners, he has played a critical role advising companies through periods of strategic growth and transition. Mr. Nova has extensive board experience at public companies, including thredUP and Eversource Energy, where he was named Lead Independent Trustee in 2024.

"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," said Mr. Nova.

Mr. Reintjes has served as President and CEO of YETI Holdings, Inc. since 2015, and during his tenure has overseen the company's transformation into a leading global outdoor brand with a growing international customer base. He previously held executive roles at Vista Outdoor and Danaher Corporation, building a strong reputation in product innovation and operational excellence.

"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," said Mr. Reintjes.

Directors Sara Levinson and Norman Thomas Linebarger announced their retirement from the Board on September 9, 2025, and September 10, 2025, respectively.

Mr. Alstead added, "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. We thank them sincerely for their contributions and wish them the very best in their future endeavors."

With the addition of Mr. Nova and Mr. Reintjes, the Board will have added four new independent members to its nine-member board in the last three years. In addition, as previously disclosed, the Board appointed Troy Alstead as Presiding Director effective July 30, 2025, and Chairman of the Board effective October 1, 2025.


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Motorcycle.com Staff
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  • Jim hunt Jim hunt on Sep 22, 2025

    Super Nova? motogp at last

  • Albert Albert on Oct 08, 2025

    Problem with dealership is Corporate mandates. Shops cannot afford some of the requirements HD puts on them. Ever time they require dealerships to up grade , remodel, move to a freeways location, they cannot afford it, lots of dealerships are owned by car dealerships owners. They try to run it like a car dealerships. HD motorcycles are getting too expensive plus repair shop post labor rates that motorcyclist cannot afford. Hog saved HD in the 80’s. Now Hog chapters are treated like step children or worse. The board needs to talk to riders yes go to dealership and just listen. Looking how the act like a car dealerships. They actually need to be more personable.

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