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Indian’s new CEO Mike Kennedy hosted a press briefing and Q&A to address concerns about the future of Indian and to share his plans for the historic brand.
In early February, private equity firm Carolwood LP assumed ownership control of Indian Motorcycle. Indian fans and casual observers alike have been curious to see what this change means for the brand that celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, with some expressing doubts about the transition.
Leading Indian Motorcycle’s future is new CEO Mike Kennedy, who invited journalists to an online press briefing on Feb. 9 to share his plans and goals for the brand and to answer questions. Kennedy comes to his new position with deep experience in the motorcycle industry, including leadership roles at Harley-Davidson, Vance & Hines, and RumbleOn (now called RideNow).
Mike Kennedy tours the Indian manufacturing facility in Spirit Lake, Iowa.
Kennedy began with an overview of his 35-year career in the motorcycle industry before jumping into his goals. With a focus on becoming the market share leader in cruisers, middle and heavyweight baggers, and touring bikes, Kennedy shared four main strategies for the company going forward.
The first strategy is related to maintaining and building the reputation of the Indian brand, including Indian’s product DNA and history. The second is product: delivering good-quality machines that riders want to own and ride. The third strategy is to lean into American manufacturing, including shutting down overseas facilities and moving all global manufacturing to the facility in Spirit Lake, Iowa, with another facility in Monticello, Minnesota, that handles aluminum casting and milling. The final strategy that Kennedy touched on is to support dealers, with Kennedy saying, “my expectation is to have the best relationship with our dealer network amongst any OEM.”
The 2026 Indian Chief Vintage was unveiled at Indian’s annual dealer meeting in Los Angeles in January. Mike Kennedy took the helm of Indian Motorcycle a couple weeks later. (Photo by Garth Milan)
Read our review of the 2026 Indian Chief Vintage
Kennedy also addressed concerns that fans of the brand have shared about their distrust of private equity firms. Kennedy said, “I don’t accept the categorical statement that private equity is bad,” citing examples of companies that saw success under PE ownership, such as Fender and BRP. Kennedy stated, “I can tell you that if Carolwood wanted to split this company up, they wouldn’t hire Mike Kennedy. I don’t know how to do that.” As another piece of proof, Kennedy pointed to Indian’s multiyear deal with Vance & Hines in MotoAmerica’s King Of The Baggers series.
Kennedy also shared his view that under the new ownership, the Indian team will be “singularly focused on motorcycles,” contrasting Polaris’ split focus on a variety of vehicles. Kennedy said, “we expect to react quicker than in the past in terms of market issues and market challenges.”
Regarding the current lineup and future vehicles, Kennedy said that Indian would soon enter the trike segment, something Kennedy said Indian dealers have been asking for. He also plans to simplify the current offerings, saying that this decision might cause some angst among Indian riders but that “we think it’ll be easier for our riders to shop it, easier for our dealers to manage, and we’ll be more responsive as a manufacturer.” When asked whether Indian plans to add an entry-level bike or pursue electric power, Kennedy said “no” to both, claiming that those pursuits would distract the team from its core strategies.
“You’re going to see a rider mentality in the day-to-day activities and engagement,” said Kennedy, adding that he would personally be at Daytona Bike Week for the kickoff of the King Of The Baggers season, as well as participate in an Indian Motorcycle Riders Group ride and be involved in a bike show at an Indian dealership in Daytona. “We’re going to be a feet-on-the-street, hand-on-the-throttle kind of management team,” Kennedy stated.
While Kennedy said the company will be working to expand its accessory options, it also wants to pursue good relationships with the aftermarket, citing its KOTB partnership with Vance & Hines and saying, “I expect that relationship to be much more than just racing.” He also urged journalists to “stay tuned” about the possibility of upcoming models to celebrate Indian’s 125th anniversary in 2026.
While many may not be assuaged until seeing more concrete evidence of a successful future for Indian, Mike Kennedy made clear his commitment to push the brand forward. As an industry veteran, he may have the experience and perspective to do it. Best of luck to Kennedy and the Indian team.
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The post Indian CEO Mike Kennedy Addresses Concerns About Private Equity appeared first on Rider Magazine.
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