PhillipsLong-time industry veteran Kevin Phillips passed away on Sunday, April 25, due to complications from COVID.
Most recently Phillips was RV Group president of Airxcel where he helped lead the growth and success of its RV divisions to become market leaders in each category. Prior to joining Airxcel in 2018, Phillips was president of Thetford Corp. North America.
In addition to these high-profile leadership positions, he was also heavily involved in RVIA and RVAA activities. As a long serving member of RVIA Board of Directors, and serving on RVIA’s Executive Committee, Phillips was instrumental in helping to “shape the industry as we know it today,” Airxcel said.
“Kevin touched so many people and created so many friendships in our industry through his involvement with Airxcel, Thetford and RVIA,” said Jeff Rutherford, president and CEO of Airxcel and chairman of the Board of Directors of RVIA. “Those who worked with him know that his probing questions, strategic thinking and thoughtful approach to challenges made those around him better. Outside of work, his passion for hunting, fishing, and working his farm were outweighed only by his love for his family.”
Added RVIA President Craig Kirby, “Kevin was one of the most knowledgeable and experienced executives in the RV industry and was an integral part of the fabric of the RV Industry Association in so many ways. He served with distinction on the Board of Directors from 2009 to 2018, including Executive Committee roles as both secretary and treasurer, where he maintained a deserved reputation as one of the industry’s best and brightest. Kevin was always willing to step up and lead a challenging project and earned the respect of those around him with his excellent strategic thinking and personable approach. He was a friend to many and will be sorely missed.”
In its statement, RVIA concluded with, “We are all deeply saddened by Kevin’s passing. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts, hearts and prayers.”
There will be a memorial service open to the public on Wednesday, April 28, at 3 p.m. at Dexter United Church, 7643 Huron River Dr, Dexter, Mich., 48130. Airxcel said that in lieu of flowers, Phillips would have encouraged those interested to make donations to charities that are important to them, within their own communities.
