Joe Thompson, Lippert chief marketing officer, has retired.
Thompson’s sales and marketing career spanned 30 years. He led the Lippert marketing department for two years. During that time, he led the marketing department integration of the Curt Group after the company’s acquisition in late 2019.
Jarod Lippert will assume the role of chief marketing officer immediately. Jarod’s career with Lippert spans 21 years, spending the last 12 years leading Lippert’s marketing efforts.
“First off, I want to thank Joe for his tireless efforts over the last two years to strengthen the foundation of Lippert’s marketing department and set us up for success, not only in the short-term, but for decades to come,” said Jarod Lippert, Lippert VP Marketing & Public Relations. “Joe has set an excellent example for how a global marketing department should be run.”
Prior to working at Lippert, Thompson was the senior vice president of marketing at Lund International. He also worked at Hanwha L&C, the Formica Corp., Atrium Cos. Inc., Armstrong World Industries and the Curt Group.
“I would like to thank everyone at Lippert for the opportunities and immense support I have been given during my time here,” Thompson said. “I have had many valuable experiences, made many great friends and learned a great deal in my role. I will always remember our commitment to culture, innovation, quality and the success of our customers. In the next few months, I will focus on the smooth transition of my responsibilities to Jarod Lippert.”
Thompson will begin his retirement at his lake house near Longview, Texas. He will stay on with Lippert in an advisory role, reporting directly to Jamie Schnur, group president of Lippert Aftermarket.
“We will continue to be transparent in everything that we do and will always come prepared to help solve any of the challenges that come our way,” Jarod Lippert said. “I also want to thank Lippert leadership for entrusting me with this role. I will promise to always do what is best for Lippert and all of its brands, continuing the excellent example that Joe has set. I wish Joe the best in his well-deserved retirement and will continue to lean on him as a mentor.”
According to Schnur, Jarod Lippert has built high-performing teams and driven Lippert excellence for decades.
“His industry knowledge, strategic focus and strong acumen will serve the company well,” Schnuer said, “as we continue to build out our brand and product portfolio.”
