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Forest River Announces New Management Team

Following the passing of the company's founder, Forest River has announced a new team of three to lead the manufacturer into the future.

New leadership team steps in at Forest River

Three individuals will now guide Forest River's products, service, and business.

Logo: Forest River | Photo: SBF/Canva

1 min to read


Last Friday, Forest River — the parent company behind Collins Bus and Trans Tech — announced a new management team, succeeding its CEO and Founder Pete Liegl, who died last November.

The bus and van manufacturer will be now led by two co-CEOs and a CFO, effective immediately. The team includes:

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  • Doug Gaeddert, Co-CEO

  • David Wright, Co-CEO

  • Darrel Ritchie, Chief Financial Officer

Together, the three will co-manage the strategic direction of the company. Gaeddert will run the RV division while Wright will run the Commercial Bus & Van and Marine divisions.

"Pete's vision and dedication were fundamental to Forest River's growth and success," a statement read. "As we move forward, we are confident that the strong foundation he built will continue to inspire and guide us."

The company added that the new structure marks the next phase for the company, but it plans to continue to meet the needs of its customer, dealers, and employees with little disruption.

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