Keith Wandell Resignation Letter
The news was expected.
Harley-Davidson CEO Keith Wandell, citing the pressure of obtaining a motorcycle endorsement and regularly commuting with “cagers”, today announced he is retiring at the relative young age of 60.
It’s through my privileged relations with some of the major actors of the motorcycle industry that allow this blog to offer you an exclusive first look of the resignation letter below:
Date: April 1, 2010
To: Harley-Davidson Employees
From: Office of the President and CEO, Mr. Keith Wandell
Subject: A Letter To My ColleaguesThis morning I am announcing my intention to retire by the time of our next board meeting.
It has become clear that in light of the continuing leadership doubt, and the unprecedented level of negative attention about my compensation package, the company – and each of you – has had to endure, that the best thing I can do for you, our dealer network and our shareholders is to retire.
Some of you have done an extraordinary job serving our customers despite the almost daily media distraction. I feel strongly that the attacks about my riding experience and eight month compensation package of $6.4 million are unjustified, but unfortunately, they show no signs of abating. A simple reality check tells me that people are spending more time reading about the acrimony and not enough time buying our motorcycles from the newly reduced product line up.
What matters is not what happens to me, but it’s really about the remaining employees of Harley-Davidson, our employed customers and our shareholders. The whole is greater than the sum of any 2 parts and clearly more important than me “feeling good about where we are” as a company. Even in the midst of the first quarterly loss in 16 years, the HDFS liquidity freeze, the India expansion, the Buell distractions, the union worker delinquencies in PA., and the MV Augusta sell-off strategy… my main regret in this short, but well paid, tenure, is that I will not be here to realize the potential of this bold strategy to return the company to a “new” normal.
I will retire when my successor is appointed. The Board has begun a high profile and expensive search for a new CEO, led by the head of the Board’s Compensation, Management Development and Succession Committee. I, of course, will do everything I can to assist in this transition. I will make sure that the company firmly “stays the course” until my successor is chosen.
Let me say that it will not be easy for me to leave. I take enormous pride in obtaining my motorcycle endorsement and I’ve met a bunch of new lunch-time riding buddies. It’s been said that the true test of a leader is the performance of the company he leaves behind. On that score, I feel my short, but well paid legacy and public record are available for all to read. The Board has asked me to assure you of their full support as we go through the transition and into the future.
To some of you, I offer my heartfelt thanks for the extraordinary opportunity to work with and lead you during this short tenure that I’ve been in Milwaukee. Of course I will continue to see some of you in the H-D Brewers suite and have enormous faith that the best of Harley-Davidson will be lived in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Keith “Scooter” Wandell
President and CEO, Harley-Davidson
Happy April Fool’s! Enjoy the day even with all the faux news.
Photo is courtesy of H-D.
Northwest Harley Blog 
Very funny Mac. Ahh but if it were true. Hey, maybe this is an oportunity for Jesse James to get invovled in something that will take the negative media focus off him? Just think what H-D might start turning out if good ol’ Jesse were in charge. Hot damn, stretched out, jocky shitfing, hardtail, real man motorcycles. Oh, wait a minute, thats right Jesse’s bike are even more expensive than H-D’s LOL
Keith, Leave to HD to higher a non motorcyclist to run a motorcycle CO. you may have a few degrees in college and have made millions but you are a retched ass hole for taking down a real American underdog hero,Eric Buell. After reading the article in CW magazine you are exposed for the cold evil and yes ignorant person that you are. Eric was on the cusp of greatness for his foresight of a competitive world class race bike. Harley D has rested on its laurels for a hundred years with Little or NO advancement in performance or design while the Japanise are taking over your niche.
The Jap bikes are better faster more reliable. Why didn’t you shut down the underwear division. You sicken a lot of people. I don’t even consider you an American…The good people at Buell and their families sure agree. HD I will make it a point to never give you one penny to your overstuffed, under performing company. A Very bad choice. I hope Eric Buell rises up and succeeds with making the only American Performance bikes. I want to buy the first one….If that happens it will prove that you dont even possess simple business skills you PANSY ASS Yuppy SCUMM.
Sincerely, Curt a true Motorcyclist
+10000000000
Thank you Curt…
Right on
I usually don’t have anything in common with Harley Riders..and I ride an old shovel…I am a 0%er
I loved the bikes, the history..seeing how the company has developed is a shame now.
Very pleased to see advancements in engine design such as the revolution, and other areas are a very positive thing..
Letting go Buell was a mistake.
though I understand well a company needs to make money and such a sentimental following such as HD people don’t understand…the path is lost now.
What makes anything strong is not selling out and remaining with what made you successful to being.
I realize the world changes and we MUST change with it in order to survive…but the gimmicks of merchandizing etc..is absurd.
Letting Buell go was a very foolish thing..
At any rate, WELL SAID CURT!!!!!!!
Spot on.
It will be ok..this is a strong statement and result of the purist HD followers and extreme disapproval and disappointment with the company..
Voicing opinions DOES make a difference..
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