Stefan Pierer steps back from CEO role at KTM having been in charge since 1992

KTM’s parent company, Pierer Mobility AG have confirmed that Stefan Pierer will be stepping back from his role as CEO of the Austrian brand, having been in charge since 1992.

The move comes as KTM continue to navigate financial difficulties brought on by a lack of sales post-Covid and an excess production of stock.

The firm entered a 90-day ‘self-administration’ process on November 29 – a move that impacted 3623 employees (at the time), with total liabilities estimated at around €2.9 billion and around 2500 creditors, across three separate insolvencies.

Stefan Pierer

The leadership of KTM will now be handed over to Gottfried Neumeister, who became Co-CEO of both KTM AG and Pierer Mobility AG on September 1, 2024. At a similar time, the firm’s executive board was cut from six to two. Pierer himself will continue to help oversee the restructuring of the company as a member of the board.

“For me, KTM was always more than just a company – it was and is a passion, a mission and a family,” Stefan Pierer said in a statement. “The decision to hand over the helm was not an easy one. I am deeply convinced that Gottfried Neumeister, with his strategic foresight and commitment, is the right choice to lead KTM into the future.”

Since 1992, KTM has grown from 160 employees and a production volume of 6000 bikes, to over 5000 employees and the capability of producing 1000 motorcycles per day. The brand is now seeking outside investment as part of the re-structure, with a statement from Pierer Mobility on January 23 confirming several offers have now been received.

Gottfried Neumeister

“Stefan Pierer has created a unique company that reflects the passion and pioneering spirit of all employees,” Gottfried Neumeister added. “I see it as my task to preserve this legacy and at the same time to break new ground.

“KTM stands for courage, innovation and passion – values that we will continue to live by and carry into the future. Together with our team, we will continue to strengthen KTM and set new standards to build the best motorcycles in the world.”

KTM’s second creditors hearing of their 90-day ‘self-administration’ plan takes place today (January 24, 2025). Despite the uncertainty, new models continue to be released, with a 390 and 125 SMC R and Enduro R already launched in January alone.