#USA #Harley-Davidson #Milwaukee #Corporate Governance #H Partners

Harley-Davidson Addresses Disputes Over Governance and Strategy

Harley-Davidson, Inc. has taken a decisive stand amidst disputes with H Partners, responding to claims regarding its governance and strategic direction. The company issued two presentations clarifying its robust strategic plan and the unwavering commitment of its Board of Directors to uphold corporate governance standards. As the upcoming Annual Meeting draws near, the backlash from H Partners, a significant shareholder, has compelled Harley-Davidson to clarify its position.

Governance and Strategic Oversight

Harley-Davidson asserts that its Board actively oversees the execution of a transformative strategic plan designed to enhance the company's legacy, particularly in a challenging market. According to the company, this governance structure is yielding superior results compared to industry peers. Key highlights from the presentations include comprehensive details about the proactive engagement the Board maintained, especially concerning CEO succession planning and Board refreshment initiatives.

H Partners, however, accuses Harley-Davidson of lacking transparency and accountability. Despite previously supporting the very leadership and strategies they now oppose, they have launched a campaign questioning the company's direction and governance practices. Harley-Davidson counters that H Partners is resorting to misleading tactics without constructive solutions, aiming to disrupt the established governance processes.

Response to H Partners' Claims

In the spirit of transparency, Harley-Davidson has invited shareholders to critically examine the arguments posited by H Partners. In their response, Harley-Davidson laid out several pivotal facts:

• - The company is engaged in a thorough CEO search process after the current CEO expressed interest in retirement, demonstrating diligence in leadership transitions.
• - In an effort to accommodate H Partners’ preferred CEO candidate, the Board expedited interviews. However, after due diligence, the candidate failed to secure majority support due to inadequacies in meeting the company's high standards.
• - The selection of peer groups for executive compensation has been tightly aligned with industry standards, a process previously approved by H Partners during their time on the Board.

Harley-Davidson emphasizes that shareholders should not be swayed by H Partners' disastrous campaign, which seems more focused on personal agendas rather than the collective good of the company. Instead, they urge a unified voice at the shareholder meeting, advocating for voting 'FOR ALL' Harley-Davidson nominees using the WHITE proxy card as an essential step toward protecting shareholder investment.

The Importance of Shareholder Participation

As the May 14, 2025 Annual Meeting approaches, Harley-Davidson reiterates the importance of shareholder involvement in voting matters that will dictate future company direction. Utilizing an informed perspective, shareholders are called upon to act with foresight by choosing the nominees who represent shared interests over self-serving motives.

Conclusion

Harley-Davidson remains resolute in its strategy and governance practices amidst attempts to dictate a disruptive narrative by H Partners. The Board's commitment to stakeholders—including shareholders, employees, and customers—stays paramount. While H Partners' campaign raises questions about governance, Harley-Davidson’s unwavering focus on delivering value continues to distinguish it in a competitive landscape, underscoring the brand's legacy and future potential.