Winnebago Industries promoted an industry veteran with more than 40 years of experience. The manufacturer promoted Grand Design RV President and CEO Don Clark to group president of towable RVs. Clark will lead the Winnebago brand’s towable RV division in addition to maintaining his duties at Grand Design, effective Nov. 1.
Winnebago’s towable division and Grand Design will continue to operate as separate, independent business entities.
Winnebago Industries President and CEO Michael Happe said, “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.”
Clark’s decades of experience includes leadership roles at Coachmen RV, Keystone RV and Dutchmen RV. In 2012, he founded Grand Design RV, which Winnebago bought in 2016. Clark was recently inducted into the 2024 RV/MH Hall of Fame; read more in RV News’ March 2024 Issue.
He will collaborate with Winnebago Motorhome and Specialty Vehicles President Chris West, who was appointed in August. The pair will be responsible for the Winnebago RV brand. According to Winnebago, Clark and West will ensure that the brand is consistently communicated in the market, enhancing the brand’s influence, impact and market share through new products and innovations.
Clark said, “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.”
Niles Whitehouse, Winnebago vice president of sales and service, will continue to serve as interim general manager of the Winnebago towable business while the company seeks a new leader to fill the position. Whitehouse will report to Clark.
Happe said to pursue industry leadership, the company must operate at maximum potential in every area. With Clark’s promotion and West’s appointment, Happe said, “I am confident we have in place the strong leadership needed to propel our flagship brand forward.”
