James H. Paterson, president of high-flying Harley-Davidson...

James H. Paterson, president of high-flying Harley-Davidson Inc.’s motorcycle division, made the surprise announcement Friday that he is taking a position with less rank so he can lead the company’s overseas sales efforts.

Paterson will become executive vice president in charge of marketing at the Milwaukee-based motorcycle division. Richard F. Teerlink, the parent company’s CEO, will assume Paterson’s duties as head of the motorcycle unit.

Paterson reportedly believed that he could better develop the company’s non-domestic marketing efforts if he took the lesser position.