Forest River Co-CEO Wright to Retire; Gaeddert Sole CEO – RVBusiness

ELKHART, Ind. – Forest River Inc. today announced in a press release that co-CEO David Wright will be retiring in April. Wright had led the Bus & Van division with dedication and leadership for 22 years, building it into the country’s leading manufacturer of buses and vans for both the private and public sectors, before assuming the role of co-CEO with Doug Gaeddert.

Wright’s decision to retire is deeply personal, following the recent passing of his longtime friend, mentor and Forest River founder, Pete Liegl. Having executed the near-term transitional strategy, he determined the timing is right to step away from the day-to-day responsibilities.

“It has been the greatest honor of my career to be part of this incredible company and to work alongside the most talented and selfless team in the industry,” said Wright. “Forest River’s leadership remains exceptionally strong, with a deep bench of individuals who are more than qualified to continue driving our success. The foundation we’ve built ensures that Forest River’s legacy will only grow stronger.”

Wright’s departure marks the next evolution for Forest River’s senior management team since the passing of Pete Liegl in November 2024. Updates include the following:

Co-CEO Doug Gaeddert, who previously led the recreational vehicle division for 25+ years, assumes the role of sole CEO.

Darrel Ritchie, who started with Forest River in 2002, continues in his role as Chief Financial Officer.

Douglas A. Wright, previously the General Manager, Bus & Van, moves to the role of Group General Manager, reporting to Doug Gaeddert. Doug brings experience, operational expertise and a tremendous familiarity with all aspects of the organization.

“I’m sad to see my good friend and uniquely gifted colleague David Wright retire, but I certainly understand and respect his decision,” said Doug Gaeddert. “Working alongside Pete together like we did for all those years, and accomplishing so much in that time has been an

incredible experience. I’m grateful for what David built, including the strong management team that he leaves in place.”

Forest River extends its deepest gratitude to David for his years of dedicated service and contributions to the company’s success. While he will be greatly missed on a daily basis, his impact on Forest River’s culture and operations will endure for years to come.

In a posting on his LinkedIn page today, Wright offered the following:

After 22 unforgettable years, the time has come for me to call it a career at Forest River. Today, I am announcing my retirement from Forest River, a company that has not just been my workplace but my family. This decision is deeply personal and rooted in the recent passing of my boss, friend and mentor, Pete Liegl. Pete’s impact on my life and career cannot be overstated — he was more than a leader; he was a guiding light and a true friend. The opportunities he afforded me have shaped every blessing my family and I have experienced over these years. I will forever be grateful for his mentorship and friendship, which went beyond what any young manager could have hoped for.

Building the team at Forest River has been the greatest business accomplishment of my life. There is simply no better team in the industry. Our bench is incredibly deep, with many managers more than qualified to be general managers in their own right. But what makes this team exceptional is selflessness — choosing to be in the right spot on the bus rather than chasing titles or accolades. It’s this unique alignment of talent and humility that has created a team unmatched in our industry. The great success we’ve achieved is a direct reflection of their dedication and leadership, and I’m confident it will continue to thrive well into the future.

Over the years, I’ve been blessed to meet so many incredible people. Dealers, employees, and vendors who started as business associates have become some of my closest friends. These relationships have enriched my life far beyond what I could have imagined, and I am deeply grateful for every one of you.

As I step away, my heart is full of gratitude — for Pete, for the Forest River team, and for the countless friendships that have defined my journey. My family’s blessings are a testament to the opportunity and trust that Pete and Forest River have placed in me. While this chapter comes to a close, I know that Forest River’s future is bright and in the best possible hands, its legacy will only grow stronger.

Thank you for the memories, the friendships and the journey of a lifetime.