Harley-Davidson promotes Levatich to CEO as Wandell retires

Motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson Inc. says Matt Levatich will become the company's president and CEO on May 1.

Levatich has been Harley-Davidson's president and chief operating officer since 2009. He succeeds Chairman and CEO Keith Wandell, who is retiring.

Levatich, 50, joined Harley-Davidson in 1994. Prior to his current role, he managed Harley's former European division, MV Agusta, as well as the company's parts and accessories business. He was also vice president of materials management.

Levatich has a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a graduate degree in engineering management and business administration from Northwestern University.

Wandell, 65, has been CEO of Harley-Davidson since May 2009. He was elected chairman of Harley's board in 2012.

Wandell is leaving Harley's board. Levatich will be joining it.