# Michael Happe

> Michael J. Happe is president, CEO and a director of Winnebago Industries, which he joined in January 2016 after 19 years at Toro. His tenure includes the acquisitions of Grand Design, Chris-Craft, Newmar, Barletta and Lithionics. He received EY’s 2023 National Overall Entrepreneur Of The Year award and serves on the H.B. Fuller board.

- **Role:** President and Chief Executive Officer at Winnebago Industries
- **Organizations:** Winnebago Industries, The Toro Company (former employer), H.B. Fuller (board director), Winnebago Industries Foundation (board director), KU Alumni Association (former national chair), University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management (Board of Advisors)
- **Education:** Bachelor of Science in Journalism, University of Kansas, William Allen White School, Master of Business Administration, University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management
- **Known for:** Led the expansion of Winnebago Industries through five major acquisitions across RVs, marine products and battery systems., EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 National Overall Award winner., Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Executive of the Year 2023.

## Career timeline

- **1994** — Graduated from the University of Kansas with a journalism degree.
- **1996** — Earned an MBA from the Carlson School of Management.
- **Before 2016** — Spent 19 years at Toro; most recently executive officer and group vice president.
- **2016-01** — Appointed president, CEO and a director of Winnebago Industries.
- **2016-11** — Winnebago completed the Grand Design acquisition.
- **2018-06** — Winnebago acquired Chris-Craft, entering recreational boating.
- **2019-11** — Winnebago completed the Newmar acquisition.
- **2021-01** — Joined the H.B. Fuller board, effective January 20.
- **2021-08** — Winnebago completed the Barletta acquisition.
- **2023-04** — Winnebago acquired Lithionics.
- **2023-2024** — Served as national chair of the KU Alumni Association.
- **2023-11** — Named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner.

## Achievements

- Led the expansion of Winnebago Industries through five major acquisitions across RVs, marine products and battery systems.
- EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 National Overall Award winner.
- Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Executive of the Year 2023.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — On October 21, Happe discussed fiscal 2026 results: $2.704 billion in revenue and $34.5 million in net income. The company forecast fiscal 2027 revenue of $2.65-$2.80 billion.
- **2026-06** — Published the LinkedIn article “To Know America, You Have to See America” on June 12.
- **2025-08** — Announced leadership changes effective September 1, including grouped business oversight and expanded customer service and aftermarket responsibilities.

## Links

- Website: https://www.winnebagoind.com/about-us/leadership/management/michael-happe
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhappe

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/michael-happe
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Last updated: 2026-10-22