Leader Spotlight: Mark Howlett’s Path from Marine Engineering to CEO of Truma North America
Truma CEO, Mark Howlett shows Truma AquaGo tankless water heater
This article is based on "Creating Resilience" by Beth Stone-Ehrhardt, originally published in the March 2026 edition of RV News.In the world of RV technology, leadership is often defined by the ability to navigate through turbulence. For Mark Howlett, stepping into the role of President and CEO of Truma North America in late 2025 was the culmination of a 13-year journey of dedication, technical expertise, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of a strong team.
From Marine Engineering to RV Innovation
Mark’s career didn't start in the RV park; it began with a technical foundation in marine engineering. This background provided him with a unique perspective on thermodynamics and complex systems—skills that translated perfectly to the premium heating and cooling solutions Truma provides.
Throughout his career, Mark has maintained a diverse portfolio of expertise, including:
• Injection molding quality
• Supply-chain management
• Operations and purchasing
Career Insight: Having a specialized technical background can be a massive advantage in the RV industry. Mark’s understanding of how things work at a fundamental level allowed him to bridge the gap between engineering and executive leadership.
The 13-Year Climb: Building Truma North America
Mark was part of the original team that helped establish Truma’s North American footprint 13 years ago. Before his promotion to CEO, he served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) and held leadership roles across service, business development, and sales.
His journey reflects a "hands-on" leadership style. By spending a decade dipping his fingers into nearly every department, Mark gained an intimate understanding of the company's internal mechanics. This cross-functional experience proved vital in 2025 when he was tasked with navigating geopolitical disruptions, tariff impacts, and supply-chain volatility
Leading with Resilience and Values
Mark’s first year as CEO has been defined by the word "perseverance." Rather than being overwhelmed by commodity costs or shipping delays, Mark leaned into Truma’s four core values: connectedness, courage, adaptability, and sustainability.
"Succession and looking ahead are integral in any organization," Mark notes. His current focus isn't just on products, but on people. He is actively building stronger internal leadership teams to ensure that the organization remains resilient regardless of market variances.
A Vision for the Next Generation
Under Mark's leadership, Truma is expanding its reach through:
Innovative Product Lines: Bringing heat pump technology to the Aventa air conditioning line and exploring electric vehicle (EV) solutions.
Professional Development: Collaborating with the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) to offer free, high-level training for technicians.
Industry Education: Acting as a liaison to help European leadership understand the unique characteristics and needs of the North American camper.
Mark’s "Career Map" for RV Success:
Understand Every Level: Don't be afraid to work across different departments (Sales, Service, Operations). This "big picture" view is essential for executive roles.
Focus on Reliability: In a premium market, quality is your best marketing tool. Mark emphasizes that products must work "right the first time."
Invest in Others: Mark’s priority is strengthening the leadership team underneath him. True leadership is about ensuring the organization can thrive without you having to manage every daily detail.
For the full feature, visit RV News March 2026 issue. Photos by Stillson Studio.