While not as exciting as a new motorcycle model, chrome accessories or new apparel design, Harley-Davidson made an important announcement regarding its executive team on Friday.

The Milwaukee motorcycle manufacturer named John Olin Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.

Olin, 48, has served as interim CFO of Harley-Davidson, Inc. since May 1, 2009, and as Harley-Davidson Motor Company'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," said Keith Wandell, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson, Inc.

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.

"He has also demonstrated strong leadership in guiding our financial group as interim CFO," Wandell continued in the announcement, "After conducting a thorough review of internal and external candidates for this key leadership position, we are pleased to name John CFO and I look forward to continuing to work with him and the rest of our management team as we lead Harley-Davidson forward."

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.

His new corporate world encompasses Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), Buell Motorcycle Company (Buell), MV Agusta which all make a range of motorcycles with a worldwide reach as well as the company's financing arm, Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS).

In the the more than 25 years of financial leadership Olin brings to his new CFO role he has served for 12 years in various domestic and global financial roles at Kraft Foods, Oscar Mayer Foods and Miller Brewing Company, 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).