Forest River announced 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 Liegl in November 2024. Updates include the following:
- Gaeddert, who previously led the Recreational Vehicle division for 25-plus 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 of Bus & Van, moves to the role of group general manager, reporting to Gaeddert. Wright 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 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 Wright 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.
