Winnebago Industries, a manufacturer of outdoor lifestyle products, announced a leadership change as part of its strategic efforts. Chris West, currently the senior vice president of enterprise operations and Barletta Boats, will step into the role of president of winnebago outdoors businesses, effective September 1. This transition follows the departure of Huw Bower, who has led the Winnebago brand for the past four years.
According to a press release, West’s new role will place him in charge of Winnebago-brand motorhomes, towables, and specialty vehicles, positioning him at the helm of the brand’s continued evolution.
During his tenure at Winnebago Industries, which began in 2016, West has made significant achievements in operations, particularly in employee safety, manufacturing, supply chain management, and quality improvement. His leadership was pivotal in the integration of Barletta Boats, which was acquired by Winnebago in 2021, and he oversaw its market share growth in the pontoon sector.
Michael Happe, president and CEO of Winnebago Industries, expressed his appreciation for Bower’s contributions and emphasized the importance of leadership in driving the company’s growth.
“We thank Huw for his contributions to our team and our business and welcome Chris to his new role. Our company has undergone a significant transformation over the last several years, but we know the best is yet to come for our team and portfolio of premium brands as we continue to grow our influence, impact, and share of the RV and marine industries,” Happe said.
In a related leadership move, Jeff Haradine, president of Barletta Boats, will join the Winnebago Industries executive leadership team, reporting directly to CEO Michael Happe. Haradine has been with Barletta since its inception and has been a significant driver of the company’s growth.
Happe praised Haradine’s “people-first approach” and noted his deep understanding of the marine industry as valuable assets to the company’s top leadership team.
The company’s product portfolio includes motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheel products, powerboats, pontoons, and commercial vehicles. With manufacturing facilities across Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, and Florida, Winnebago remains committed to “advancing sustainable innovation and enhancing its vertical integration in key component areas.”
For more information about Winnebago Industries, visit winnebagoind.com.