Indian Motorcycle Introduces New CEO Mike Kennedy, Former Harley-Davidson Executive
Indian Motorcycle enters 2026 with new leadership, fresh investment, and a bold plan to redefine America’s First Motorcycle Company.
February 2026 marks the beginning of a major new chapter for Indian Motorcycle. Its parent company, Polaris Industries, sold a majority stake in the brand to Carolwood LP, a Los Angeles–based private equity firm. This makes Indian an independent manufacturer for the fourth time in its 125-year history.
Fresh Perspective
Along with the ownership change comes a new leader: Mike Kennedy, a seasoned motorcycle executive with rich experience at Harley-Davidson, Vance & Hines, and RumbleOn. Kennedy’s involvement spans both the manufacturer and dealer worlds—an important advantage as Indian shifts focus to ownership experience and dealership relations.
As the saying goes, “Sell the sizzle, not the steak.”
Harley-Davidson’s biggest advantage isn’t just its motorcycles—it’s the lifestyle and community behind them. The Harley Owners Group, major events like Homecoming, and countless partner perks all make ownership feel bigger than the bike itself.
I anticipate Kennedy understands this well. Under his leadership, Indian plans to enhance the ownership experience and dealer relationships, with more focus on rider community, high-quality craftsmanship, and smart investment in technology, styling, and service.
The company also plans to tap directly into feedback from more than 200 U.S. dealerships—a well of real-world data many brands overlook. That tension between corporate strategy and dealer input has been an on-going sore spot at Harley-Davidson, and it looks like Kennedy isn’t interested in mirroring their problems.
While innovation and rider experience are top priorities, Indian has confirmed it won’t chase the entry-level market. Instead, Kennedy says pre-owned bikes already serve as a natural gateway into the brand. That’s a distinct contrast from Harley-Davidson, which is developing beginner-friendly models to attract new riders.
125-Years of History
Indian’s strategy remains anchored in what built its legacy: performance, design, and craftsmanship. The newly unveiled Chief Vintage blends modern engineering with century-old style—a prime example of Indian’s “modern classic” approach.
Over the coming years, it’ll be fascinating to see how Kennedy balances tradition with growth. American motorcycle brands still face stereotypes about who rides them—a challenge that limits audience growth. A renewed focus on the ownership experience might just be the key to breaking through.
Interestingly, Harley-Davidson also welcomed a new CEO last year—Artie Starrs. His corporate background surprised many Harley loyalists. Read more about Harley-Davidson’s leadership change here.