Is This a Turning Point for LiveWire? CEO Resigns as Strategic Options Come Under Review
Harley-Davidson put its name and backing behind LiveWire to help bring electric motorcycles into the mainstream. Now, the people running the show are changing, and the company's future is under scrutiny.
CEO Karim Donnez has resigned, a restructuring specialist has taken charge, and a newly formed board committee is examining potential strategic transactions, including a possible sale or restructuring.
LiveWire hasn't announced a closure, but this is a significant moment for the brand.
For more LiveWire news, head to our LiveWire page.
LiveWire Appoints Restructuring Chief
LiveWire confirmed that Karim Donnez resigned as CEO on 21 October. Four days later, on 25 October, the company appointed Roy Gallagher as Chief Restructuring Officer and principal executive officer.
Gallagher is a senior managing director at Ankura Consulting Group, with more than 25 years of experience in global financial markets. His background includes investing in distressed debt. In other words, his job is to work out what happens next financially, not to unveil the next electric motorcycle.
The leadership change follows the formation of a Special Restructuring Committee on 22 October. It has been tasked with exploring LiveWire's options, including new financing, a possible sale or a broader restructuring.
Harley-Davidson remains LiveWire’s controlling shareholder, owning almost 90% of the company. Harley-Davidson also said in 2025 that it would make no further investment in LiveWire. That leaves the company facing some big decisions about where its future funding will come from.
The financial pressure is clear. In the second quarter of 2026, LiveWire sold 267 electric motorcycles, brought in $9.1 million in revenue and recorded a net loss of $18.2 million.
The company is also trying to broaden its appeal beyond its existing premium road bikes. Its S4 Honcho range targets a lower price point, while its acquisition of DUST Moto brings off-road electric motorcycles into the business. We recently reported that an S4 Honcho Skate is expected at EICMA, alongside another DUST model in the pipeline. Getting those bikes into showrooms and keeping them supported takes money. Where that money comes from is now a much bigger question.
LiveWire is due to release its third-quarter financial results before market opening on 29 October. There will be no separate earnings call, with Harley-Davidson management set to discuss LiveWire’s segment results during its own webcast.
Thursday's figures may tell us more about the state of the business, even if the bigger questions remain unanswered.
The BCB Take
If you own a LiveWire, there's no need to panic. Nothing in this announcement says production is stopping, dealers are closing or warranties are changing. But when you're investing serious money in a motorcycle, confidence in the company behind it matters too.
A motorcycle is more than the bike you ride out of the showroom. Parts, servicing, warranty support and software updates matter too. If you're considering buying a LiveWire, ask your dealer what support is in place and what would happen if ownership changes.
We'll be watching Thursday's results, and we'll be at EICMA to see what's next for the brand. LiveWire has bikes we'd like to see more riders get their hands on. Here's hoping the company finds a way forward.
Ride safe, folks.
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