Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis Will Retire in 2026. Here’s What RVers Should Know.

A major leadership shift is coming to one of the RV industry’s most recognizable companies. Camping World announced that President Matthew Wagner will take over as chief executive officer on January 1, 2026.

Marcus Lemonis, who has led the company for over two decades, will retire from his roles as CEO, Chairman, and member of the Board at the end of 2025. He will remain involved as a co-founder and Special Advisor. Brent Moody will move into the position of Chairman on the same date.

Lemonis described the transition in the company’s press release as a meaningful moment in his life and expressed confidence in Wagner’s leadership. Wagner called the opportunity an honor and said he looks forward to building on the company’s momentum. Moody offered his own remarks, thanking Lemonis for shaping Camping World into the nation’s largest RV dealer.

A New Leader with Deep Company Roots

Wagner has been part of Camping World since 2007 and has held several leadership roles. His background in operations gives him a strong understanding of how the company runs behind the scenes. He is expected to bring a structured, systems-focused approach to the role. Lemonis will remain available to the board and executive team as an advisor.

What Can RVers Expect?

Buyers may not notice sweeping changes when Wagner steps into the CEO role. Camping World has spent years building a sales process that starts online, where customers can compare inventory, look at estimated monthly payments, and review available add-on programs before visiting a dealership. That approach is likely to continue, since it reduces time on the lot and helps guide buyers toward specific models.

Pricing is also expected to follow the structure customers already know. Camping World stores typically use corporate pricing guidelines, which creates consistency across locations. Negotiation still happens, but the range is usually narrower compared to smaller independent dealers. Bundled offerings like protection plans, roadside programs, and memberships are also expected to remain part of the sales experience because they have long been core revenue drivers.

The company’s focus on used inventory and aggressive trade-in promotions is also likely to stay in place, especially as more shoppers look for lower-priced units during a softer RV market.

Service departments may see changes sooner. Wagner’s background is heavily rooted in operations and process management. Leaders with that profile often prioritize standardization, scheduling efficiency, and consistency across locations. That could translate into more uniform repair procedures and tighter controls on how service work is documented.

Overall, this type of shift can streamline internal operations. At the same time, RV owners may notice changes in how estimates are written, how warranty claims are reviewed, and how long repairs take. These areas have been ongoing points of frustration for many customers across the industry, not only at Camping World, so RV owners will likely pay close attention to these details as the transition unfolds.

What to Watch in 2026

RVers interested in how this transition affects their experience can look for a few early signs. Service appointment wait times, more clarity in repair estimates, and the handling of disputes often serve as the first indicators of a culture shift. Sales processes, pricing structures, and trade-in practices tend to evolve slowly, so those areas may stay consistent for a while.

The next year will reveal how Wagner’s leadership style blends with Lemonis’s continued advisory role. Many RVers will be watching to see if the change leads to a stronger customer experience or a continuation of familiar patterns.