Harley Davidson's Willie G. is ready to retire

[Dodsfall]

William G. Davidson, who has ran the direction of styling for Harley Davidson for the past 49 years has announced his plans for retirement this spring.

Better known as Willie G., the Senior Vice President and Chief Styling Officer will leave his post on April 30, 2012. The 78-year-old will remain with the company as Brand Ambassador.

Willie G.'s grandfather, William A. Davidson, was one of the founders of the motor company. His father, William H. Davidson, was the second President of the company.

Willie G. started working at Harley Davidson in 1963 as the first head of styling. He also was one of the 13 executives who bought the company back from AMF in 1981 to help refuel it's resurgence.

“Few individuals have the kind of impact on an organization, a brand and a lifestyle that Willie G. has had,” said Keith Wandell, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. “Everyone with a love for motorcycles owes a great deal to his vision and talent, and all of us have been blessed by his presence. His legacy will continue to grow, thanks to the talent he has nurtured in the Harley-Davidson styling studio.”

*“It has been my privilege to work alongside many incredibly talented people at this company and I have great confidence the future of Harley-Davidson’s design leadership will continue to grow in its pre-eminence,” Willie G. said. “I look forward to spending time with riders at rallies and to my involvement in special design projects.”

[Forbes]