Lippert Components, Inc. will promote two European Middle East and Africa (EMEA) executives this fall. Joerg Reithmeier assumed the role of managing director caravanning EMEA on Aug. 1. Michele Checcucci will take on the role of chief business development officer EMEA effective Sept. 1.
Reithmeier has been with Lippert since April 2019, when he took on the role of senior advisor for business development. The aim of his assignment was to offer support in acquisitions in Germany and help stimulate growth within the European Caravanning market through strategic acquisitions, Lippert said.
With the acquisition of Polyplastic B.V. and its affiliates in early 2020, Lippert entered a more articulated and complex European dimension, and it became necessary to create a figure with specific coordination functions for the Caravanning sector, the company said. Reithmeier reports in his new role to Jim Menefee, Group President – Europe, who has responsibility for Lippert’s three current Caravanning European groups: RV Italy, Schaudt and Polyplastic.
“I am excited to have Joerg Reithmeier as the leader of our Caravanning group,” Menefee said. “Joerg has been instrumental in helping to grow the Lippert EMEA group. With his deep caravanning knowledge, customer relationships and focus on innovation, it is a natural progression for Joerg to lead our Caravanning group. Joerg will continue to help build Lippert in Europe through this new role.”
“Lippert has an amazing culture and great team members,” Reithmeier said. “I am excited to join and serve them on their successful journey.”
Checcucci will focus on product innovation, acquisitions, aftermarket expansion, customer relationships, emerging markets, and synergies throughout EMEA. Since joining Lippert in 2017, Checcucci was involved in the expansion of Lippert businesses and was a key strategic leader in the acquisitions of ST.LA Srl, Lavet Srl, Femto Engineering Srl, Ciesse Spa and Polyplastic BV, the company said.
“Michele has proven his ability to bring new ideas for innovative product to the caravanning sector such as the VELA pop-tops, the R-Bike bike rack, the Skia blind systems and new entry door lock systems. We be
lieve Michele’s creativity should be utilized throughout our EMEA groups to revolutionize our markets,” Menefee said. “Michele also has a vast network of contacts that have been extremely valuable in the acquisition growth of the company. We will expand his influence throughout our EMEA group to continue our growth in all our core industries.”
Checcucci has 30 years of experience in the Caravanning sector and was the former president of Metallarte Srl and RV Doors Srl, which were acquired by Lippert in June 2017.
“In these five years we have worked relentlessly to create an operations structure that can continue to evolve and improve, and thanks to the growth of our existing team and the unwavering dedication of highly qualified and competent professionals, we have succeeded,” Checcucci said. “Due to these strategic decisions, I will now be able to focus on what I love most: innovation, business development and interpersonal relationships. I want to thank every single member of my team for the results we have achieved together and our senior leadership for the trust they have placed in me.”
