Harley-Davidson, Inc. announced today that Michael van der Sande, age 41, has been named Managing Director of Harley-Davidson Europe. In his new role, van der Sande will lead the sales, marketing and distribution activities for Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles, P&A and MotorClothes throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Van der Sande is filling the role previously held by John Russell, who has announced plans to leave the organisation.
In his new role, he will become a member of two of Harley-Davidson’s senior management groups, the Functional Leadership Group and the Sales and Marketing Circle.
“Michael has led many strategic initiatives for the Motor Company and is one of our longest serving leaders in Harley-Davidson’s European office,” said Jim McCaslin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “His industry experience and business expertise are an asset to us and I am excited that he will be leading our European operations.”
Van der Sande joined Harley-Davidson in 1996. Most recently, he served as Managing Director of Commercial Operations at Harley-Davidson Europe where he supervised the sales function and all of Harley-Davidson’s country operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He has served in a number of key positions over the years, including Director of Marketing for Europe and Director of Strategic Planning at corporate headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Prior to joining Harley-Davidson, van der Sande held various marketing roles at Nissan Europe and Rolls-Royce/Bentley Motor Cars.
Van der Sande holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business from Nyenrode University in the Netherlands.
Company BackgroundHarley-Davidson, Inc. 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 their retail customers.
Related Linkswww.harley-davidson.com
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