BIO
Bob Wheeler is President and CEO of Airstream, Inc., manufacturer of the world’s most iconic recreational vehicles. Since assuming this position in 2005, Bob has guided Airstream through one of the worst economic downturns in industry history and led the company to record sales fueled by product innovation, cutting edge marketing, and the public’s renewed appreciation for Airstream’s authenticity and quality.
Bob brings a great blend of technical and people skills to his office in Airstream’s Jackson Center, OH manufacturing facility. An engineer by training, he has a deep understanding of the Airstream product and manufacturing process. He is also noted for his positive management style, which emphasizes inclusiveness, encouragement, and creative thinking about the future of the brand.
Prior to becoming CEO, Bob served as Airstream’s VP of Product Development and Engineering. In that job, he shaped business strategy and oversaw programs to expand product offerings to new customer groups.
He has also held management positions with companies owned by Airstream’s parent, Thor Industries. Among his assignments: Director of Purchasing for Dutchmen, Inc., Director of Operations at Aero Coach. He was also Director of Product Development for Fleetwood, Inc.’s American Coach Division.
Bob Wheeler came to recreational vehicles from the auto industry. After earning a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Rochester, he joined General Motors as a manufacturing engineer in the Saginaw Steering Gear Division Buffalo plant, where he began to master both the functional and financial aspects of the heavy manufacturing process.
In addition to his engineering degree, Bob holds an MBA from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Bob lives in Columbus, OH, with his wife and their three boys. He is an avid cyclist.