THOR Industries, a global leader in the recreational vehicle industry, announced the promotion of Ryan Biren to chief information officer (CIO), a newly created executive officer position. The appointment underscores THOR’s decisive commitment to advancing its enterprise data, digital and artificial intelligence strategies, the company said in a release.
Biren joined THOR in February of 2024 as vice president of corporate development. In this role, he has developed key data platforms utilized by the company to improve its performance. Prior to joining THOR, Biren was with Camping World Holdings where he served as a senior vice president.
As CIO and executive officer, Biren will lead THOR’s North American IT, data, analytics, IT controls and digital platform strategy — with a clear mandate: unlock enterprise-wide value from data, accelerate AI-driven innovation and strengthen THOR’s competitive advantage in an increasingly digital marketplace.
“This is more than a title change — it is an important strategic step for THOR to take,” said Bob Martin, THOR Industries president and chief executive officer. “Data, analytics and AI are central to the next era of value creation at THOR. Elevating the CIO role to the executive leadership team reflects how seriously we are investing in these capabilities to power smarter decisions, stronger operating performance and differentiated customer experiences.”
Accelerating the Enterprise Data & AI Agenda
Under Biren’s leadership, THOR has built and deployed a robust enterprise data platform now serving all operating companies, including THOR’s European operations. The platform has enhanced enterprise visibility, improved speed to insight and enabled advanced analytics across sales, operations, market intelligence and customer engagement.
With the CIO role formalized at the executive officer level, THOR said it is accelerating into its next phase:
- Scaling AI-enabled analytics across brands and regions
- Advancing predictive market intelligence capabilities
- Expanding digital dealer and customer experiences
- Strengthening enterprise cybersecurity and data governance
- Reducing system friction and duplication across the organization
“This appointment positions THOR to compete — and win — in a marketplace where intelligent use of data increasingly defines performance,” Martin added. “We are building enterprise intelligence as a strategic asset, and Ryan’s leadership ensures we execute with urgency and discipline.”
Enterprise Alignment Without Sacrificing Decentralization
THOR’s operating companies have built strong and independent technology foundations that support its decentralized operating model. The updated reporting structure — which includes functional reporting of operating company IT leaders to the CIO — is designed to harmonize enterprise standards, strengthen interoperability and accelerate cross-brand digital initiatives while preserving the autonomy that drives THOR’s entrepreneurial culture.
THOR said it will strike a balance between maintaining that independence and harmonizing its digital presence to reduce complexity and strengthen its industry leadership in digital engagement with independent dealers — including the creation of a unified dealer portal designed to simplify connectivity and improve the dealer experience.
“Looking ahead, THOR is making the deliberate investments necessary to fully unlock the value of our enterprise data and digital capabilities. The potential impact on our operations is transformative. From how we recruit and develop talent to how we build, sell and support our products, data and AI will redefine our operating discipline and create measurable advantages across the entire value chain,” stated Todd Woelfer, chief operating officer of THOR Industries.
“Our objective is simple but powerful: enable THOR companies to be stronger partners to our independent dealers and deliver the right products to consumers — when and where they want them — at a price and quality standard that leads the industry,” continued Woelfer. “By driving efficiency, visibility and smarter decision-making throughout the entire value chain, we are creating structural advantages that will benefit our dealers, our retail customers and our shareholders alike.”
