MILWAUKEE — Harley-Davidson Inc. chief executive officer Jeffrey L. Bleustein, who is credited with helping to rebuild the iconic motorcycle company in the early 1980s, said Thursday he would retire as CEO in April.
Bleustein, 65, will continue as chairman of the board of directors, the company said in a statement.
James L. Ziemer, 54, who is vice president and chief financial officer of Harley-Davidson, will succeed him as CEO effective April 30, 2005.
In 1981, Bleustein and 12 others bought Harley-Davidson, which had been battered by Japanese competition, from his employer, American Machine and Foundry. Bleustein helped the company regain market share, and by 1987 Harley-Davidson recaptured its position as the leading heavyweight motorcycle manufacturer in the United States.
Bleustein became senior vice president in 1988, and in 10 years he moved his way up to chairman of the board and chief executive officer.
Harley-Davidson is the parent company for Harley-Davidson Motor Co., Buell Motorcycle Co. and Harley-Davidson Financial Services.
Shares of Harley-Davidson rose $1.66, or nearly 3 percent, to close at $59.36 Thursday on the New York Stock Exchange.