The CMO Podcast – Heather Malenshek

Heather Malenshek started to ride motorcycles at the age of 12 in the small village of Craigellachie, Scotland. That passion for riding and a knack for marketing led her to become the Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Marketing & Brand for the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. While she is no longer with the company, riding is still a major part of her life. Prior to Harley-Davidson, Heather worked at British Airways in the ’90s. She later spent 8 years at the advertising company DDB. Forbes most recently listed her as one of the World’s Most Influential CMOs in 2018 and 2019.

Since the time of this recording, Heather has moved on from Harley-Davidson. While she was at the company, she did great things and loved every minute of it. Her passion for the brand is palpable, as she discusses her beginnings learning about riding motorcycles from her grandfather and what it’s like to ride an electric Harley. She also talks about what it takes to evolve a brand that is over 100 years old through passion and purpose.