Harley-Davidson names new chief financial officer

swadminSeptember 22, 2009

Harley-Davidson Inc. has named an internal candidate as its new chief financial officer.

John Olin Sr., 48, was announced as the new CFO, effective immediately. He has served as interim CFO of Harley-Davidson Inc. since May 1, and as Harley-Davidson Motor Co.’s vice president and controller since joining the organization in May 2003

“John is a seasoned financial executive with domestic and global experience who is deeply knowledgeable about our business,” Keith Wandell, president and CEO of Harley-Davidson Inc., said in a press release. “He has also demonstrated strong leadership in guiding our financial group as interim CFO.”

As CFO, Olin will report to Wandell and have responsibility for all Harley-Davidson financial and treasury operations, as well as for investor relations, aviation and information systems.

Olin brings more than 25 years of financial leadership to the CFO role. Before joining Harley-Davidson, Olin served for 12 years in various domestic and global financial roles at Kraft Foods, Oscar Mayer Foods and Miller Brewing Co., including his responsibilities as controller of Kraft Foods’ cheese division. Earlier in his career, he held positions with financial services and specialized consulting firms including Ernst & Whinney (now Ernst & Young). Olin holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Indiana University and is a Certified Public Accountant. He also holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Chicago.