If you have spent any time aboard a New Zealand boat, you have almost certainly used a Thetford product. The company behind the Porta Potti — invented in 1968 — and the cassette toilet that followed in 1988 is as familiar to RV owners and Kiwi boaties as cleats and fenders.
Founded in Michigan in 1963, Thetford has grown into the world market leader in mobile sanitary systems, refrigerators, cooking equipment and toilet additives, with its products a fixture in vessel heads compartments from the Bay of Islands to the Marlborough Sounds.
It is with that context that the passing announced today, of the company’s Chief Executive Officer, carries weight for the marine industry. Stéphane Cordeille died on Sunday 31 May. While his name may not be widely known outside the industry, his influence on the company that revolutionised heads on RV’s and boats is massive.
The Thetford Executive Leadership Team remembered him as a leader who guided the business through significant growth and change, and who was equally valued for the relationships he built with employees, customers and industry partners across the world.
Thetford Australia, which has served both the Australian and New Zealand markets since 2006, is supported by more than 600 dealers, retailers and service agents across the two countries.
The company has extended its condolences to Cordeille’s family and loved ones.
