Jason Lippert has retired and stepped down as LCI Industries president, chief executive officer and as a member of the board of directors after 32 years in the business.
Independent director Johnny Sirpilla has been appointed as interim chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Jason Lippert has agreed to serve in an advisory capacity for 12 months to support the transition.
The board will conduct a search for a permanent CEO and expects to consider both internal and external candidates.
Separately, as part of its long-term succession planning, the board of directors has named Virginia ‘Ginnie’ Henkels as board chair, succeeding Tracy Graham, who stepped down from after ten years of service to dedicate his time to his core business.
Executive and leadership experience
Sirpilla has served on the board since 2019 and brings more than 35 years of executive and leadership experience in the RV and outdoor recreation industries to his new role.
He began his career as an independent RV dealer before the business was acquired by Camping World, where he joined the senior executive team.
Sirpilla subsequently served as president and chief business development officer of Camping World and Good Sam after serving in various executive roles in dealership operations, retail store leadership, logistics, M&A and other areas.
He is a current board member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Society brands.
Henkels has been a member of the LCI Industries board since 2017 and has more than 18 years of board governance experience and more than 30 years of financial and leadership experience across a diverse portfolio of publicly-traded companies.
She previously served as chief financial officer of Swift Transportation Company and held various financial leadership positions at Honeywell.
She currently serves on the boards of Avnet, Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality and privately-held Isaac Instruments.
“LCI Industries is a tremendous company with a bright future ahead and we are committed to identifying a leader with the operational know-how and perspectives who can build on LCI Industries’ strong foundation to drive the company’s next phase of profitable growth,” said the board of directors in a statement.
“With the excellent management team we have in place, the board is confident that LCI Industries is well-positioned to enhance shareholder value while delivering for customers, consumers and team members.
And the board thanked Lippert for his leadership and his commitment to LCI Industries over many decades.
Under his leadership, the company’s annual revenue has grown from $125 million to in excess of $4 billion.
“It has been the privilege of my career to lead this company and the extraordinary people who make it what it is,” said Lippert.
“The Lippert family has been and will continue to be an important part of LCI Industries’ story and a supporter of its continued success.”
He continued: “LCI Industries is a stronger business today than when I took the helm and I am proud of what we have built together.
“At this important moment in the company’s journey, this is the right time for this change and I look forward to working with – and cheering on – our team members and leaders as they take LCI Industries into its next chapter.”
LCI Industries supplies engineered components to the recreation and transportation markets.
