Harley-Davidson board member resigns, citing 'grave concerns' about company's future

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Harley-Davidson has been a part of Milwaukee for more than a century – but now, the future of the motorcycle manufacturer is uncertain after a board member resigned, citing “grave concerns” about the company.

Documents filed with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) include the letter of resignation submitted by board member Jared Dourdeville. In it – Dourdeville says the culture, transparency, and accountability within the company continues to decline.

On April 1st, Dourdeville wrote a letter to the company’s board of directors, calling for the resignations of the company’s CEO, its lead independent director, and a board member.

Kalin Kolev, an associate professor of management at Marquette University says when leadership changes happen suddenly – it could create problems for a company.

“It could also create some negative perception in society, in investors, and analysts that follow the company,” said Kolev.

In his five-page letter, Dourdeville expressed “grave concerns about the current state of the company,” citing “severe underperformance” by its leaders. Dourdeville wrote that turnover has been “chaotic and convoluted,” citing declining sales and no products to attract new customers.

“The resources need to be put where they’re most beneficial,” said Kolev.

CBS 58 reached out to Harley-Davidson for comment and was directed to their SEC filings, in response to Dourdeville’s letter. In their response, the company stated that Dourdeville was “not a dissenting voice in the boardroom as to matters he raised in his letter,” but admitted the market has been challenging.

This letter of resignation from Dourdeville comes just as Harley-Davidson’s CEO announced he was looking to retire and the search for a replacement was underway.

“That creates an additional level of volatility and ambiguity because at least if we know what’s going on with tariffs, then they could plan long-term,” said Kolev.

Kolev says leadership changes could have minimal impact on Harley-Davidson’s future in the city.

“The company will remain here,” said Kolev.