Champion Homes Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Executive Appointments
Champion Homes, a leading manufacturer and retailer of factory-built housing solutions, has announced a series of senior leadership appointments as part of its long-term succession planning strategy. The changes come in connection with the retirement of Joseph Kimmell, Executive Vice President of Operations, whose departure will become effective on June 26, 2026.
Kimmell, who has been a key figure within the organization for nearly three decades, will continue supporting Champion Homes in a consulting capacity through the end of August. This transition period is intended to ensure continuity and provide support as the company implements its new leadership structure.
The appointments represent an important step in Champion Homes’ ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership alignment and position the company for continued growth. The organization, which employs approximately 9,300 team members and operates 129 retail and manufacturing locations across North America, is evolving its operating model to better serve customers, enhance operational efficiency, and support strategic expansion.
As part of the leadership transition, Champion Homes has appointed Wade Lyall as Chief Sales Officer, John Kastanek as Chief Customer Experience Officer, and Andrew Houser as Senior Vice President of Manufacturing. Together, these executives will play critical roles in driving the company’s growth strategy while ensuring strong coordination across sales, customer engagement, and manufacturing operations.
The appointments reflect the company’s commitment to promoting experienced leaders who possess a deep understanding of Champion Homes’ business, culture, and customers. By placing seasoned executives in these key positions, the company aims to further strengthen collaboration across departments and create a more integrated approach to serving customers and business partners.
Tim Larson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Champion Homes, emphasized that the leadership changes are the result of a comprehensive succession planning process designed to support the company’s long-term objectives.
According to Larson, the newly appointed leaders bring a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge that will help Champion Homes navigate future opportunities and challenges. Their expertise, combined with a strong understanding of the company’s operations and market position, is expected to support continued innovation and operational excellence.
Wade Lyall, who assumes the role of Chief Sales Officer, will oversee the company’s sales organization and lead efforts to expand market reach, strengthen customer relationships, and drive revenue growth. In his new position, Lyall will work closely with retail operations, distribution partners, and sales teams across the organization to support Champion Homes’ strategic priorities and deliver value to customers.
John Kastanek has been named Chief Customer Experience Officer, a role that underscores the company’s focus on enhancing every stage of the customer journey. As customer expectations continue to evolve, Champion Homes is placing increased emphasis on delivering seamless and responsive experiences across its retail and service operations. Kastanek will be responsible for ensuring that customer needs remain at the center of the company’s decision-making processes while strengthening engagement, satisfaction, and long-term loyalty.
Andrew Houser’s appointment as Senior Vice President of Manufacturing reflects the importance of operational excellence within Champion Homes’ growth strategy. In his new role, Houser will oversee manufacturing operations across the company’s network of production facilities. His responsibilities will include driving efficiency improvements, maintaining quality standards, supporting workforce development initiatives, and ensuring that manufacturing capabilities align with customer demand and business objectives.
Together, these leadership appointments create a structure that more closely integrates customer experience, sales, and manufacturing functions. By aligning these critical areas under experienced leadership, Champion Homes aims to improve coordination throughout the organization and strengthen its ability to respond to changing market conditions.
Larson noted that the company’s future success depends on maintaining strong connections between customers, business partners, and internal operations. The leadership team’s collective expertise is expected to enhance decision-making, accelerate execution, and support sustainable growth across the enterprise.
Beyond announcing the new appointments, Champion Homes also took the opportunity to recognize the significant contributions of Joseph Kimmell. During his nearly 30-year tenure, Kimmell played a vital role in shaping the company’s manufacturing organization and broader operational strategy. His leadership helped support the company’s growth while fostering the development of a strong management team capable of leading the business into the future.
Over the years, Kimmell contributed to numerous initiatives that strengthened manufacturing performance, improved operational processes, and supported Champion Homes’ ability to meet the evolving needs of homeowners and retail partners. His dedication to the company and commitment to operational excellence have left a lasting impact on the organization.
Larson expressed gratitude for Kimmell’s years of service and acknowledged his role in helping prepare the next generation of leaders. He highlighted the importance of Kimmell’s mentorship, leadership development efforts, and willingness to support the transition process through his consulting role.
The leadership changes arrive at a time when Champion Homes continues to pursue growth opportunities within the factory-built housing industry. Demand for affordable and efficient housing solutions remains strong, and the company is focused on expanding its capabilities while maintaining high standards of quality and customer service.
By implementing a carefully planned succession strategy and promoting experienced internal leaders, Champion Homes is reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and long-term value creation. The company believes that its strengthened leadership team will help drive continued success while positioning the organization to capitalize on future opportunities across the housing market.
As Champion Homes enters its next chapter, the company remains focused on supporting customers, empowering employees, and building on the strong foundation established by leaders such as Joseph Kimmell. With a refreshed leadership structure and a clear strategic vision, Champion Homes is preparing for continued growth and innovation in the years ahead.
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