Lippert CEO steps down, interim appointed

LCI Industries, a supplier of engineered components for the recreation and transportation markets that operates under the Lippert name, has announced the retirement of Jason Lippert, who has stepped down as president and CEO and as a member of the board of directors after 32 years with the business.

The board of directors has appointed independent director Johnny Sirpilla as interim CEO, effective immediately. Jason Lippert has agreed to remain in an advisory role for one year to support the transition. The board has begun a search for a permanent CEO and says it expects to consider both internal and external candidates.

As part of its longer-term succession planning, the board has also appointed Virginia Henkels as chair of the board. She succeeds Tracy Graham, who has stepped down after 10 years of service to focus on his core business interests.

The news comes a month after LCI Industries and Patrick Industries ended discussions regarding a potential merger of equals after failing to reach an agreement on key terms.

The board of directors issued the following statement: “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.

“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. While we conduct a comprehensive search, we are pleased that Johnny Sirpilla, who has served on our board since 2019 and brings over 35 years of executive and leadership experience in the RV and Outdoor Recreation industries, has stepped up to this interim position and will keep a steady hand on the wheel throughout this transition.”

The board added: “We want to thank Jason for his leadership and his deep commitment to LCI Industries over many decades. Under his leadership, LCI Industries grew from a company with $125m in annual revenue, to a company with annual revenue in excess of $4bn. His contributions have helped shape this great company and will be important drivers of our future growth.”

Henkels, chair of the board, says: “On behalf of the entire board, I want to thank Tracy for his hard work and dedication over the last decade and for everything he has done for LCI Industries during that time. Over the past several months, Tracy and the board have been discussing chairman succession planning, and we mutually agree that this is the appropriate time for this transition. I am honoured to take on the chair role at this important moment for LCI Industries.”

Sirpilla says: “I am committed to keeping the full focus of this organisation on the strong execution of our strategy to serve customers and consumers and deliver compelling shareholder value. LCI Industries has a resilient business model, deep customer relationships and a team that has proven it can perform through challenging environments. I look forward to continuing to work with the board and the leadership team as we move forward.”

Jason Lippert says: “It has been the privilege of my career to lead this company and the extraordinary people who make it what it is. The Lippert family has been and will continue to be an important part of LCI Industries’ story and a supporter of its continued success. 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’ first quarter 2026 financial results showed consolidated net sales increased 4.3 per cent to $1.1bn in the first quarter of 2026, up from $1bn in the same period of 2025.

The firm appointed a new CFO, Matthew Filer, in January 2026.