Winnebago Industries Expands Responsibilities of Don Clark to Lead Winnebago Brand’s Towable RV Division

Rhea-AI Summary

Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO) has announced the promotion of Don Clark to Group President, Towable RVs, effective November 1. In this expanded role, Clark will lead both the Winnebago brand's towable RV division and the Grand Design RV brand. This move aims to leverage the company's towables expertise in Northern Indiana.

While Grand Design and Winnebago's towables division will remain separate business units, they will collaborate to enhance product quality and innovation. Chris West, recently appointed as president of Winnebago Motorhome and Specialty Vehicles, will work with Clark to ensure consistent brand communication and market presence.

This restructuring is part of Winnebago Industries' strategy to strengthen its position as a trusted leader in premium outdoor recreation, focusing on maximizing the potential of the iconic Winnebago brand in the market.

Positive

• Promotion of Don Clark to Group President, Towable RVs, leveraging his extensive industry experience
• Potential for enhanced collaboration and innovation in towable RV product development
• Strategic move to strengthen Winnebago's market position in the towable RV segment
• Maintaining separate business units for Grand Design and Winnebago towables to preserve competitive edge

Negative

• None.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., Oct. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO) today announced that Don Clark, president of Grand Design RV, has been promoted to Group President, Towable RVs, and will now lead the Winnebago brand’s towable RV division in addition to the Grand Design RV brand, leveraging the company’s significant overall towables expertise and skills in Northern Indiana, effective November 1.

“Don is a hall-of-famer with an unmatched track record of success and understanding of the RV industry, especially the towable RV market,” said Winnebago Industries President and CEO, Michael Happe. “Don’s insights, operational acumen, and extensive knowledge of what it takes to win in this space make him the ideal and logical choice to lead the team during their next evolution. With the recent appointment of Chris West as the president of Winnebago Motorhome and Specialty Vehicles, I am confident we have in place the strong leadership needed to propel our flagship brand forward.”

Grand Design and the Winnebago brand’s towables division will remain separate, independent business units and continue to compete in the market. Niles Whitehouse, Winnebago’s vice president of sales and service, will continue to serve as interim GM of the Winnebago towables business, reporting to Mr. Clark, while the leadership team identifies and onboards a new leader to join the team in Indiana.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to play a part in the continued growth of such a storied brand,” said Mr. Clark. “We believe collaboration enhances what we can achieve and elevates what our customers can expect from us. We have a chance to build something really special, creating premium outdoor products defined by their high quality, best-in-class reliability and innovative designs that delight our customers and enhance their time outdoors.”

Mr. West and Mr. Clark are responsible for working together to ensure one Winnebago RV brand is consistently communicated in the market, enhancing the brand’s influence, impact, and market share through new products and technology innovations.

“For Winnebago Industries to realize our ambition to be the trusted leader in premium outdoor recreation, each area of our business must be operating to its fullest potential,” said Mr. Happe. “The Winnebago brand is one of the most respected and iconic brands in the industry and we need to make sure we are capturing that value in the market.”

About Winnebago Industries
Winnebago Industries, Inc. is a leading North American manufacturer of outdoor recreation 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 http://investor.wgo.net.

Media Contact: Daniel Sullivan media@winnebagoind.com

FAQ

What new role has Don Clark been promoted to at Winnebago Industries (WGO)?

Don Clark has been promoted to Group President, Towable RVs at Winnebago Industries (WGO), effective November 1, 2024. In this role, he will lead both the Winnebago brand's towable RV division and the Grand Design RV brand.

Will Grand Design and Winnebago's towable RV divisions merge under Don Clark's leadership?

No, Grand Design and Winnebago's towable RV divisions will remain separate, independent business units and continue to compete in the market, despite being under Don Clark's leadership.

What is the strategic goal behind Winnebago Industries' (WGO) recent leadership changes?

The strategic goal is to strengthen Winnebago Industries' position as a trusted leader in premium outdoor recreation by maximizing the potential of the Winnebago brand in the market and leveraging the company's towables expertise in Northern Indiana.

Who will be responsible for the Winnebago RV brand's market communication?

Chris West, president of Winnebago Motorhome and Specialty Vehicles, and Don Clark will work together to ensure consistent communication of the Winnebago RV brand in the market, enhancing its influence, impact, and market share.