Blue Bird Corporation names Britton Smith as President & CEO, Doug Grimm as Chairman

Britton Smith (Photo: Business Wire)

Blue Bird Corporation, a manufacturer of electric and low-emission school buses in the USA, has announced that Britton Smith will become President and CEO, effective 29 September, 2024. Additionally, the Board of Directors has elected Doug Grimm as Chairman, effective immediately.

Smith will take over from Phil Horlock, who has served as the company’s President and CEO from 2011 to 2021 and was reappointed in May 2023. Horlock will continue as a member of the Board to facilitate a smooth transition.

Since joining Blue Bird in 2022, Smith has held various executive roles, including leading the company’s electric vehicle business and growth strategy. Appointed President in mid-2023, he has taken on increased responsibilities across the company.

“Britton and I have worked closely together over the past year, and he is well-prepared for the CEO position,” said Horlock. “We developed a rigorous transition plan for Britton to take on increasing responsibility across the entire business, and he has successfully executed this plan, as demonstrated by our recent results.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Horlock said, “It has been a privilege to lead this company for almost 14 years. I am thankful to our team and dealers for their dedication. I also appreciate the support from our Board of Directors, especially our Chairman, Kevin Penn. I am excited for our future with Britton as CEO and look forward to supporting our continued growth from my seat on the Board.”

Smith expressed his commitment to his new role, stating, “I am honoured to lead Blue Bird as we build on the foundation established by Phil and our team. Managing our transition to EV leadership has been a valuable experience, and I look forward to further growth for the company. It’s an exciting time in Blue Bird’s history, and I am motivated by the opportunities ahead.”

In addition to the CEO transition, Doug Grimm will replace Kevin Penn as Chairman of the Board. Penn, who has served as Chairman since 2016, will remain on the Board of Directors.

“It is an honour to become Chairman at such an important time for Blue Bird,” said Grimm. “Since joining the Board in 2017, I have seen the team make strategic investments and introduce new products that differentiate us from competitors. Blue Bird is now in a strong leadership position, and I look forward to working with my fellow Directors to further enhance the value we provide to our stakeholders.”

Penn acknowledged Horlock’s contributions, saying, “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Phil for his significant contributions and for the stability he has provided as CEO over many years.

“He has been instrumental in positioning the Company for long-term success, and in particular for firmly establishing Blue Bird as the alternative-power leader in school buses. Doug and Britton know Blue Bird and our industry exceptionally well, and are outstanding choices to lead the Company into the future by building on the terrific momentum we are seeing today.”