Harley-Davidson Inc. has announced the election of Thomas Linebarger to the company's board of directors, effective July 30. Linebarger, a senior executive with Cummins Inc., was recently appointed that company's president and chief operating officer, effective August 1.
"Tom's broad executive experience at one of the world's recognized leaders in advanced engine technology and manufacturing makes him a key addition to the Harley-Davidson board," said Harley-Davidson president and CEO James Ziemer. "More than ever, Harley-Davidson is focused on bringing new generations of products to market more quickly and further improving our manufacturing capabilities. With his background in engineering, finance and manufacturing Tom will be a great asset to help guide Harley-Davidson's ongoing market leadership."
Cummins Inc. designs, manufactures, distributes and services diesel and natural gas engines, electric power generation systems and engine-related component products. Linebarger has served in various roles at Cummins including executive vice president of Cummins Inc. and president of Cummins Power Generation; vice president and chief financial officer; and vice president of supply chain management. Linebarger, 45, joined Cummins in 1992 as assistant to the group vice president for worldwide operations and program manager – Advanced Fuel Systems. He holds a bachelors degree in economics from Claremont McKenna College, and a bachelors and a masters degree in engineering and an MBA from Stanford University.
Linebarger's election by board action to a term expiring in 2010 expands the Harley-Davidson Board to 12 directors. In addition to Linebarger and Ziemer, board members are: Barry K. Allen, senior advisor to Providence Equity Partners, and president, Allen Enterprises LLC; Richard I. Beattie, chairman, Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett LLP; Jeffrey L. Bleustein, chairman, Harley-Davidson Inc.; George H. Conrades, executive chairman, Akamai Technologies Inc.; Judson C. Green, president and CEO, NAVTEQ Corp.; Donald A. James, chairman and CEO, Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada/Fred Deeley Imports Ltd.; Sara L. Levinson, former president of the Women's Group of Rodale Inc., and former chairmom, ClubMom Inc.; George L. Miles Jr., president and CEO, WQED Multimedia; James A. Norling, chairman, Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd.; and Jochen Zeitz, chairman and CEO, Puma AG.
Harley-Davidson is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport motorcycles. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson dealers and customers.
