LCI Industries, a supplier of engineered components to the recreation and transportation markets, announced a leadership transition on June 4, appointing Johnny Sirpilla as interim chief executive officer after Jason Lippert retired and stepped down as president, CEO and a member of the board of directors.
Lippert, who spent 32 years with the business, will remain in an advisory role for one year to support the leadership transition while the board conducts a search for a permanent chief executive.
The company said it will consider both internal and external candidates.
The announcement marks a significant change for the supplier of engineered components to the recreation and transportation markets. The board said it has begun a comprehensive search process and aims to identify a leader capable of guiding the company through its next phase of growth.
In a separate governance change, the board appointed Virginia “Ginnie” Henkels as chair of the board. She succeeds Tracy Graham, who stepped down as chairman and board member after 10 years of service to focus on his core business interests.
The board said Sirpilla’s experience in the RV and outdoor recreation sectors made him a suitable choice to lead the company during the transition period.
Sirpilla has served on the LCI Industries board since 2019 and brings more than 35 years of executive and leadership experience in the RV and outdoor recreation industries.
According to the company, Sirpilla began his career as an independent RV dealer before joining Camping World following the acquisition of his business. He later served as president and chief business development officer of Camping World and Good Sam and held executive positions in dealership operations, retail leadership, logistics and mergers and acquisitions.
The board credited Lippert with overseeing substantial growth during his tenure. In a statement, directors said the company expanded from approximately $125 million in annual revenue to more than $4 billion during his leadership.
“It has been the privilege of my career to lead this company and the extraordinary people who make it what it is,” Lippert said. “LCI Industries is a stronger business today than when I took the helm, and I am proud of what we have built together.”
Henkels said Graham and the board had discussed chairman succession planning for several months before the transition. “I am honored to take on the Chair role at this important moment for LCI Industries,” she said.