For many caravanners, Thetford is one of those names that has quietly become part of everyday travel. The name appears everywhere, from caravan fridges to toilets, cooking appliances, and essential RV equipment. As a result, Thetford products have helped make life on the road more comfortable, practical and reliable for travellers around the world.
Behind that trusted name was a leader. He helped guide the company through important years of growth, change and innovation.
Stéphane’s career with Thetford spanned more than three decades.
He joined Thetford in 1988. In January 2012, he was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Thetford. He then led the company through more than a decade of growth and transformation.
Stéphane became known not only for his business leadership, but for his commitment to people, customers and the wider RV community.
That connection was felt strongly across the Australian RV industry. In particular, it was felt by Jeff Snr Van Baardwyk from Avan, who shared a close business relationship with Stéphane for more than 20 years.
“My wife and I were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Stéphane Cordeille,” Jeff said.
“Stéphane and I shared a close business relationship through Avan spanning more than 20 years. He placed great trust in me and our company, something I always valued, and I believe that trust was mutual.
Jeff said Stéphane would be remembered with great respect.
“We will always regret not being able to attend the Thetford 20th anniversary celebrations in Melbourne due to ongoing health issues.
“Stéphane will be remembered with great respect and will be deeply missed by many, including myself and my family.”
Scott Van Baardwyk from Avan also said he was deeply shocked and saddened by Stéphane’s passing. He described him as both a valued business partner and a true friend.
“I was deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of Stéphane Cordeille. He was not only a valued business partner but also a true friend,” Scott said.
“Stéphane brought incredible passion, strength, vision, and success to everything he did, while never losing his remarkable sense of humour that made working with him such a pleasure.”
In its official statement, Thetford’s Executive Leadership Team described Stéphane as an exceptional leader, trusted colleague and valued friend to many across the organisation and the RV industry.
They also recognised his dedication, vision and unwavering commitment to Thetford. In particular, they noted the important role he played in shaping the company and strengthening its place in the market.
That sense of leadership was also remembered by Gerry Ryan, CEO of Jayco, who first met Stéphane around 25 years ago.
“From the moment I met Stéphane some twenty-five years ago, our friendship began with a laugh,” Gerry said.
“I still remember looking him straight in the eye and saying, ‘So you’re the toilet guy.’
“He didn’t flinch – he burst out laughing. That was Stéphane: open, disarming, and always ready to meet boldness with warmth. From that moment, our connection was effortless.”
Over the years, Gerry said his respect for Stéphane only grew.
“His business acumen was something I admired – deeply sharp, intuitive, and always grounded in integrity.
“But beyond the professional, it was his friendship that meant the most. He had a way of making every conversation feel meaningful, every shared moment feel like it mattered.”
For the Australian caravanning community, Thetford’s impact is easy to understand. Whether someone is heading off for a weekend away, travelling full-time, touring the lap of Australia or simply enjoying the comforts of a well-equipped caravan, Thetford has been part of the way many people travel.
That kind of trust is built over time. It comes from products that work, teams that care, and leadership that keeps an eye on the future while respecting the needs of everyday travellers. Stéphane’s leadership was a testament to this.
For those who worked with him, that leadership was also deeply personal.
“I will always be grateful for the opportunities we shared and the work we accomplished together,” Scott said.
“His early passing is a tremendous loss, and he will be missed greatly. His impact, friendship, and spirit will remain with all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.”
In recent times, Stéphane spoke about preparing Thetford for the future and ensuring the company’s values, culture and strong customer focus would continue through the next generation of leadership.
Gerry said it felt surreal that only weeks earlier they had been celebrating Thetford’s 20-year anniversary together.
“It was a milestone he was so proud of, and a moment I now hold close to my heart,” Gerry said.
“I’m grateful we had that time, unaware of how precious it would become.”
That is a meaningful legacy.
In an industry built around freedom, family, adventure and connection, the people behind the brands matter. They help shape the products, the standards and the confidence travellers rely on every time they hitch up, head off and make themselves at home on the road.
As Gerry reflected:
“If I had to describe Stéphane in one sentence: he was a man whose laughter, loyalty, and generosity left every room – and every life – better than he found it.
“He will be deeply missed but remembered with the same warmth he gave so freely.”
On behalf of What’s Up Downunder, we extend our sincere condolences to Stéphane’s family, friends, colleagues, the team at Thetford, and all those across the RV industry who knew and worked with him.
His contribution to the global RV industry will be remembered with respect.
More on Thetford: Twenty Years of Keeping Australia Moving: Thetford Turns 20
