Masters of Scale Rapid Response: How Harley-Davidson set a foundation for the long term with CEO Jochen Zeitz
Jul 29, 2021
Jochen Zeitz, CEO of Harley-Davidson and sustainability champion, shares insights on revitalizing the iconic brand. He discusses his rapid restructuring efforts during the pandemic, which included trimming the product line and enhancing worker equity. Zeitz emphasizes the importance of innovation, showcasing the electric motorcycle, Livewire, as a step towards sustainability. He also introduces the 'Lobatical,' an employee benefit aimed at improving work-life balance, highlighting how team culture can drive customer satisfaction and long-term success.
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Two Crises, Two Experiences
- Jochen Zeitz became Harley-Davidson's CEO during the pandemic, similar to his Puma CEO experience during a company crisis.
- However, he notes that each crisis was unique, with Puma's being "homemade" and Harley's a global crisis.
Crisis and Change
- The pandemic crisis made some changes easier for Harley-Davidson, but ensuring liquidity was the top priority.
- Zeitz prioritized worker safety and implemented virtual operations successfully.
Rewiring the Product Line
- Streamline your product portfolio, especially during times of uncertainty and disruption.
- Focus on profitable products and address supply chain challenges proactively.