New LiveWire Group CEO takes charge

ELECTRIC motorcycle maker LiveWire has appointed Karim Donnez as its CEO as Jochen Zeitz takes on the role of Chairman.

The date that Donnez officially takes over is June 12th, when he will then be charged with ‘realising the potential of LiveWire’. Donnez joins LiveWire from Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) which is a manufacturer of recreational vehicles such as ATVs, side-by-side off-roaders, personal watercraft, and snowmobiles. Donnez’ former role saw him oversee the firm's marine operations. Prior to that, he held posts with Rio Tinto and Accenture, where he again looked after business transformation.

Speaking about the appointment, outgoing CEO Zeitz said:

“Having successfully stood up LiveWire as a brand and listed the Company on the NYSE, I’m excited to pass the baton to Karim and to welcome him as LiveWire’s new CEO, following an extensive global search process. Karim is an entrepreneurial business leader with a demonstrable track record of driving transformational growth through both strategy development and implementation. The Board and I look forward to Karim realizing the potential of LiveWire, as we continue on the Company’s journey to lead the electrification of the sport.”

The move comes at an important time for LiveWire, as it takes its first steps in the world as a standalone manufacturer and walks out of the expansive shadow of Harley-Davidson. The firm has also just launched its second model, the S2 Del Mar. Donnez will no doubt be focused on making that bike a nailed-on success, as well as ushering in the next line of electric bikes from LiveWire.

Harley-Davidson LiveWire (2020) Review