James Ziemer, president and ceo of Harley-Davidson Inc. (Milwaukee), has announced his retirement in 2009, after 40 years with the company. The board of directors has formed a search committee to review both internal and external candidates. Ziemer will remain in his current role until a new chief executive is in place.
Ziemer grew up in the Milwaukee neighborhood next to Harley-Davidson's original factory location, on the city's west side. He started with the Company in 1969 as a freight elevator operator while attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He joined the accounting department after graduation and was named chief financial officer in 1990. He became president and ceo in 2005.
“Jim Ziemer has dedicated his entire professional career to Harley- Davidson and has been a great advocate for the company,” said chairman Jeffrey Bleustein.
“All of us who have worked with Jim throughout the years have benefited from his leadership, his selfless commitment to the company and his contributions to making the brand one of the most admired and successful brands in the world. As an avid and lifelong motorcyclist, Jim also exemplifies the great legacy and spirit of Harley-Davidson.”
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Co., Buell Motorcycle Co., MV Agusta and Harley-Davidson Financial Services.