Blue Bird Corporation Announces Retirement of Former CEO Phil Horlock from Board of Directors
Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), a leading manufacturer of electric and clean-emission school buses, today announced that Phil Horlock, the company’s former President and Chief Executive Officer and a long-serving member of its Board of Directors, has stepped down from the Board, effective immediately, as part of his retirement.
Horlock’s departure marks the conclusion of a distinguished tenure spanning more than a decade of leadership and service to Blue Bird. He served as President and CEO of the company for over 12 years, during which time he guided Blue Bird through a period of significant transformation, strengthening its operational capabilities, expanding its product portfolio, and positioning the company as an industry leader in alternative-fuel and electric school buses.
Under Horlock’s leadership, Blue Bird delivered sustained growth, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced long-term value for customers, employees, and shareholders. His tenure was defined by a disciplined strategic approach, a focus on innovation, and a commitment to advancing clean transportation solutions for student transportation across North America.
Following his transition from the CEO role, Horlock remained actively involved with the company as a member of the Board of Directors after John Wyskiel was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer nearly one year ago. In this capacity, Horlock continued to provide valuable strategic guidance, institutional knowledge, and mentorship to the executive leadership team, helping to ensure a smooth leadership transition and continuity of Blue Bird’s long-term vision.
On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and leadership team, I want to thank Phil for his extraordinary service to Blue Bird,” said Doug Grimm, Chairman of the Board. “Phil’s vision, discipline, and integrity as CEO helped establish the strong foundation upon which the company operates today. His contributions as a director have been equally meaningful, and his insight and counsel will be deeply missed. We are grateful for the legacy of excellence he leaves behind and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”
Reflecting on his time with the company, Horlock expressed confidence in Blue Bird’s leadership and future direction.
It has truly been the privilege of a lifetime to serve Blue Bird, both as CEO and as a director of this exceptional Board,” said Horlock. “I am proud of what the team has accomplished together and leave with full confidence in the company’s leadership, strategy, and ability to continue leading the school bus industry forward. I look forward to watching Blue Bird’s continued success in the years ahead.”
Blue Bird remains focused on advancing its leadership position in electric and clean-emission school buses, supporting school districts in their transition to more sustainable transportation solutions, and delivering long-term value through innovation, quality, and operational excellence.
About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses sold. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions.
