Hmmm. . . will he stay or will he go?
Harley-Davidson CEO and chairman of the board Jochen Zeitz is facing new questions following PR gaffes and customer rebellion. Fox News Digital reached out to each board member for reaction.
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Harley-Davidson board of directors silent on future, fate of 'woke' CEO and chairman
Renouncing its DEI programs, company and its leadership face new questions
August 21, 2024 4:40pm EDT
'America Reports' panelists Taylor Riggs and Jackie DeAngelis discuss the controversy surrounding the iconic motorcycle company and the importance of political neutrality in businesses.
The leadership of Harley-Davidson is facing questions following a series of curious strategic decisions and public relations moves that have attracted widespread attention.
The "woke" internal agenda of CEO Jochen Zeitz, and the shocking comparisons he made of himself to the Taliban, the global terror group, in his quest for "sustainability" have damaged the motorcycle maker's brand integrity, many say — plus sparked outrage on social media and launched a rebellion among Harley-Davidson's loyal customers.
Just two days ago, the company released a statement renouncing DEI and other controversial initiatives it had put into place in recent years.
"It is critical to our business that we hire and retain the best talent and that all employees feel welcome," the company noted.
"That said, we have not operated a DEI function since April 2024, and we do not have a DEI function today. We do not have hiring quotas and we no longer have supplier diversity spend goals."
Jochen Zietz, chairman and CEO of Harley-Davidson, has compared himself to the Taliban, the global terror group, in his quest for "sustainability." Inset: a biker with an American flag on his Harley. (Reuters/Brendan McDermid | Reuters)
In late July, filmmaker and conservative political commentator Robby Starbuck tweeted, "@harleydavidson has been one of the most beloved brands in America but recently on CEO Jochen Zeitz’s watch, they’ve gone totally woke." This week, Starbuck celebrated the company's change of heart.
"Recently on CEO Jochen Zeitz’s watch, they’ve gone totally woke."
Given this and more, there are increasing concerns about the direction of the Milwaukee motorcycle maker, one of America's most beloved brands.
Zeitz is both Harley-Davidson's CEO and chairman of the board. . .
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