Harley-Davidson Welcomes Artie Starrs as New CEO to Lead the Brand Forward
Harley-Davidson Appoints Artie Starrs as CEO
In a significant leadership change, Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) announced the appointment of Artie Starrs as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2025. This decision was made by the company's Board of Directors, highlighting a new era for the iconic motorcycle manufacturer. Artie Starrs comes to Harley-Davidson from Topgolf Callaway Brands, where he served as the CEO of Topgolf International. His transition into this role marks a crucial moment for Harley-Davidson as it looks to navigate future challenges and seize new opportunities.
A Track Record of Success
Artie Starrs is well-regarded in the industry for his exceptional skills in managing prominent brands and amplifying global operations. Troy Alstead, the Presiding Director, praised Starrs' extensive experience and his proven track record of driving significant growth. Throughout his tenure at Topgolf, Starrs oversaw the brand's expansion into international markets. Under his leadership, Topgolf experienced a remarkable revenue upswing, growing from $1.1 billion to $1.8 billion in just four and a half years. This growth also saw the opening of new venues across five countries in Europe and Asia.
Before Topgolf, Starrs held various leadership roles at Yum! Brands' Pizza Hut, where he served as Global CEO, steering the brand to over 18,000 locations in 110 countries. His early career included positions as Chief Financial Officer at Rave Cinemas and as an investment banker at Wasserstein Perella. Starrs’ diverse background in finance and operational excellence gives him a solid foundation to lead Harley-Davidson into its next chapter.
Embracing the Harley-Davidson Legacy
Upon his appointment, Starrs expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Harley-Davidson family. He acknowledged the strong emotional connection that many riders have with the brand, appreciating its unique place in the culture of motorcycling. "It's an incredible privilege to lead such a revered company, and I’m excited about harnessing our collective potential to grow and enhance what we offer our community,