Thor Industries Announces New Chief Innovation Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

THOR Industries (NYSE: THO) has announced the appointment of Josef Hjelmaker as the new Chief Innovation Officer. This executive role is expected to enhance the company's product portfolio and drive digital strategies across its operations. Hjelmaker, with extensive experience from Delphi Electronics & Safety and Whirlpool Corporation, will focus on consumer-centric innovations. According to THOR President & CEO Bob Martin, Hjelmaker's background aligns with the company's growth strategies aimed at leading in innovation within the RV industry.

Positive

• Appointment of Josef Hjelmaker as Chief Innovation Officer strengthens THOR's innovation capabilities.
• Hjelmaker's expertise in consumer-centric product solutions supports THOR's long-term growth strategy.
• Focus on enhancing consumer experience aligns with emerging technologies in the RV sector.

Negative

• None.

ELKHART, Ind., Oct. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, THOR Industries (NYSE: THO), the owner of companies that together form the world's largest recreational vehicle (RV) manufacturer, announced the creation of a new executive leadership team position.  The new role of Chief Innovation Officer will play a critical part in the future success of the organization by optimizing and evolving the global product portfolio, leading operational technologies and advancements and championing digital strategies across the THOR family of operating companies. 

Josef Hjelmaker has joined THOR as the Chief Innovation Officer, reporting to Bob Martin, THOR President & CEO.  With a rich expertise in automotive and consumer products, Hjelmaker will lead the Company's innovation strategies for emerging consumer and vehicular technologies.  Hjelmaker's extensive experience includes numerous leadership roles at Delphi Electronics & Safety focused on industry-leading product development in the safe, green and connected space.  Most recently, Hjelmaker led the global cooking product development organization at Whirlpool Corporation where he focused extensively on the development of smart technologies designed to enhance the consumer experience.  

"Josef has an impressive track record of bringing innovative consumer-centric product solutions to the market, which is a key component to our long-term strategy," shared Bob Martin, THOR President & CEO.  "Welcoming Josef to our leadership team is a monumental step toward THOR's goal of continuing to lead the industry in innovation for years to come. His leadership and innovation mindset  combined with his ability to partner to advance the consumer experience aligns perfectly with our global growth strategies."

"It is an honor to join the THOR team.  I am extremely excited to be part of a team with exceptional focus on the consumer experience and drive for innovative solutions," stated Josef Hjelmaker, THOR Chief Innovation Officer. "Together with the talented THOR team and our valued partners, I am eager to harness the many developing technologies in our space in a way that maximizes the user experience for owners of THOR products as we fulfill our transformative purpose of connecting people with nature and each other."

Hjelmaker is joining the THOR Executive Leadership Team effectively immediately and will be located in the THOR corporate headquarters in Elkhart, Ind.

About THOR Industries
THOR Industries is the sole owner of operating subsidiaries that, combined, represent the world's largest manufacturer of RVs. Founded in 1980 by Wade Thompson and Peter Orthwein with the purchase of Airstream, Elkhart, IN-based THOR has grown both organically and through strategic acquisitions. For more information on the Company and its products, please visit: https://www.thorindustries.com/.

Contact: Tyler Deur, tdeur@lambert.com

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SOURCE THOR Industries, Inc.

FAQ

Who is the new Chief Innovation Officer of THOR Industries?

Josef Hjelmaker has been appointed as the Chief Innovation Officer of THOR Industries.

When was the new Chief Innovation Officer appointed at THOR?

Josef Hjelmaker was appointed as Chief Innovation Officer effective immediately on October 8, 2020.

What is the focus of the new Chief Innovation Officer at THOR?

Josef Hjelmaker will focus on optimizing the global product portfolio and advancing digital strategies.

What is THOR Industries' strategy for innovation?

THOR Industries aims to lead the RV industry in innovation by enhancing consumer experience through emerging technologies.