Winnebago Industries Announces Appointment of Chris West as President of the Winnebago Brand
August 13 2024 - 9:15AM
Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO) today announced key changes
to its executive leadership team to bolster its position as the
trusted leader in the premium outdoor recreation market and drive
its next phase of growth.
After four years with the company, Winnebago brand President
Huw Bower will step down from his role on August
31, 2024. During his tenure with the company, Bower helped guide
the business through unprecedented times, brought several new
industry-leading innovations to the market, and built a committed
team across the brand’s motorized and towable RV businesses.
Chris West, currently Senior Vice President of
Winnebago Industries enterprise operations and Barletta Boats, has
been named President of the Winnebago Outdoors businesses –
Winnebago-brand motorhomes, Winnebago-brand towables, and
Winnebago-brand specialty vehicles – effective September 1, 2024.
West was hired in 2016 to lead the company’s Enterprise Operations,
with responsibility for the entire manufacturing, supply chain, and
quality value streams across the Winnebago Industries
portfolio.
Over the past eight years, Chris has worked closely with the
company’s RV and marine businesses, built deep outdoor industry
relationships, and driven significant progress and improved
capabilities across key areas such as employee safety,
manufacturing, strategic sourcing/supply chain management, quality,
and business excellence. West also spearheaded the integration of
the company’s Barletta Boats acquisition in 2021 and has provided
executive oversight to a pontoon business now chasing double-digit
market share growth.
“Winnebago Industries believes that time spent outside is
priceless and we are committed to building a best-in-class
leadership team that can deliver on our promise to elevate every
moment outdoors for our partners and customers,” said Winnebago
Industries President and CEO, Michael Happe. “We thank Huw for his
contributions to our team and our business and welcome Chris to his
new role. Our company has gone through a significant transformation
over the last several years, but we know the best is yet to come
for our team and portfolio of premium brands as we continue to grow
our influence, impact and share of the RV and marine
industries.”
Prior to joining Winnebago Industries, West served as vice
president of global supply chain for Joy Global, a worldwide mining
equipment manufacturer and held several other key leadership
positions in the agricultural equipment manufacturing and aircraft
interior manufacturing industries. A search for West’s prior Senior
Vice President – Enterprise Operations role will begin
immediately.
In addition, Barletta Boats President, Jeff
Haradine will join the Winnebago Industries executive
leadership team and report directly to CEO Michael Happe, effective
September 1, 2024. Haradine has been with Barletta since its
inception and has been a critical driver of Barletta’s strong
growth trajectory,
“Jeff has been a key part of Barletta’s impressive trajectory,
first as a sales leader and then as president of the business over
the last two years,” said Happe. “I look forward to having his
people-first approach and deep marine industry insights on our top
leadership team.”
About Winnebago IndustriesWinnebago
Industries, Inc. is a leading North American manufacturer of
outdoor lifestyle products under the Winnebago, Grand Design,
Chris-Craft, Newmar and Barletta brands, which are used primarily
in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The Company
builds high-quality motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheel
products, outboard and sterndrive powerboats, pontoons, and
commercial community outreach vehicles. Committed to advancing
sustainable innovation and leveraging vertical integration in key
component areas, Winnebago Industries has multiple facilities in
Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, and Florida. The Company’s common stock
is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded under the
symbol WGO. For access to Winnebago Industries' investor relations
material or to add your name to an automatic email list for Company
news releases, visit www.winnebagoind.com/investors.
Media Contact: Daniel
Sullivan media@winnebagoind.com
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