Blue Bird Corporation Appoints John Wyskiel as President and CEO, Effective February 17, 2025
Blue Bird Corporation, the recognized leader in electric and low-emission school buses, has announced the appointment of John Wyskiel as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective February 17, 2025. In addition to his role as President and CEO, Wyskiel will join the Board of Directors, further solidifying his integral role in the company’s future direction. He will succeed Phil Horlock, who served as the Company’s President and CEO from 2011 to 2021 and returned to the position in May 2023. Horlock will remain a member of the Board and will continue to support Wyskiel in ensuring a seamless leadership transition.
A Strategic Leadership Transition
This leadership change is a significant step forward for as the company continues to focus on its strategic growth in the electric and low-emission school bus market. With over three decades of experience in the automotive industry, Wyskiel brings a wealth of expertise in manufacturing leadership, operational excellence, and global sales and supply chain management to Blue Bird. His background makes him uniquely qualified to oversee Blue Bird’s ambitious growth initiatives, helping to steer the company into its next phase of development.
Phil Horlock’s tenure at Blue Bird, spanning both his earlier leadership role from 2011 to 2021 and his more recent return as CEO, has been instrumental in driving the company’s successes. Under his leadership, Blue Bird has established itself as the undisputed leader in the electric and low-emission school bus sector. Horlock’s guidance during the company’s recent growth phases has positioned Blue Bird with strong profitability, outstanding margins, and exceptional liquidity, as seen over the past two years. As a result, the company is well-positioned for long-term success, making it the ideal moment for a new leader to take the reins.
Doug Grimm, Chairman of Blue Bird Corporation, expressed his confidence in the transition: “John’s extensive experience and expertise in operational excellence and manufacturing leadership make him the ideal candidate to lead Blue Bird at this pivotal moment. His proven ability to drive profitable growth and expand operational processes will be critical as we continue to meet the increasing demand for sustainable transportation solutions.”
Wyskiel’s Career and Experience
John Wyskiel is no stranger to Blue Bird Corporation. He previously served as General Manager of Blue Bird Coach in Canada, one of the company’s largest operations, from 2002 to 2004. In this role, Wyskiel oversaw the manufacturing of Type A and Type C school buses, further cementing his understanding of Blue Bird’s business operations. Following his time at Blue Bird, Wyskiel embarked on a successful 20-year career at Magna International, a global leader in automotive manufacturing, where he honed his skills in leadership and business operations.
At Magna, Wyskiel most recently served as President of Magna Seating, where he led a $6 billion business with more than 33,000 employees across over 60 manufacturing facilities located in 15 countries. His leadership was instrumental in managing complex operations and driving business growth in diverse international markets. Prior to his position as President of Magna Seating, Wyskiel served as Vice President of Magna’s Body & Structures business in Canada and the United States, where he oversaw major operational initiatives and business development activities.
Wyskiel’s experience extends to various senior roles across manufacturing, operations, engineering, product management, and sales at several well-known automotive suppliers, including Magna, Dana Corporation, and BorgWarner. This breadth of expertise gives him the insight and leadership capabilities to take Blue Bird Corporation to new heights in the competitive electric school bus market.
“I’m thrilled to return to Blue Bird, an iconic American company,” Wyskiel said. “I am deeply passionate about building scalable operations and leading high-performance teams to continuously improve and innovate. I look forward to collaborating with the entire Blue Bird team and dealer network to execute our strategic initiatives and to deliver sustained profitable growth. Together, we will take Blue Bird to new levels of success in the electric and low-emission vehicle industry.”
Acknowledging Phil Horlock’s Contributions
Doug Grimm also took the opportunity to thank Phil Horlock for his remarkable contributions to the company over nearly 15 years of service as CEO. “Phil’s leadership has been nothing short of transformative for Blue Bird. Under his stewardship, the company has firmly established itself as the leader in the electric and low-emission school bus market. His contributions to the company’s growth and success cannot be overstated, and we are grateful for his stability and guidance throughout his tenure.”
Phil Horlock’s leadership has been particularly critical in positioning Blue Bird as the leading innovator in sustainable transportation. During his time as CEO, Horlock helped propel Blue Bird into the forefront of the electric vehicle industry, overseeing the launch and expansion of the company’s electric school bus fleet. His leadership also contributed to the company’s strong financial performance, which has positioned Blue Bird for long-term success.
As Horlock transitions into retirement, he will continue to serve on the Board of Directors and remain involved in the company’s strategic initiatives. His ongoing support will be key in ensuring a smooth leadership transition and helping Wyskiel succeed in his new role.
On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Phil for his incredible leadership and dedication over the years, Grimm continued. “He has made a lasting impact on the company, and we wish him all the best in his retirement. The business is in great shape, and we are confident that with John’s leadership, Blue Bird will continue to thrive and expand its leadership in the electric and low-emission school bus sector.”
Blue Bird’s Future Direction
As Wyskiel prepares to step into his new role, Blue Bird is poised for continued success in the rapidly growing electric and low-emission vehicle market. With an increasing number of school districts transitioning to cleaner, more sustainable transportation options, Blue Bird is well-positioned to meet this demand with its cutting-edge electric buses.
Wyskiel’s leadership will focus on further enhancing operational efficiencies, improving the manufacturing processes, and expanding the company’s presence in global markets. He is expected to leverage his vast experience in supply chain management, operations, and manufacturing to strengthen Blue Bird’s position as a leader in sustainable transportation solutions. By focusing on scalable operations and developing high-performance teams, Wyskiel aims to ensure Blue Bird’s continued growth and success in an increasingly competitive industry.
Looking ahead, Blue Bird’s commitment to innovation and sustainability will remain a cornerstone of its strategic initiatives. With Wyskiel at the helm, the company is poised to continue driving advancements in electric and low-emission school bus technology, contributing to a cleaner, greener future for students across the United States and beyond.
John Wyskiel’s appointment as President and CEO marks a new chapter for Blue Bird Corporation as it continues to lead the charge in the electric and low-emission school bus sector. With his extensive experience in manufacturing leadership, operational excellence, and global sales, Wyskiel is well-equipped to guide the company to new heights of success. As Blue Bird transitions into the future, the leadership team, led by Wyskiel, is committed to executing the company’s strategic initiatives and delivering sustained, profitable growth.
With a solid foundation in place and a clear vision for the future is set to continue its leadership in sustainable school transportation, shaping the future of electric buses and supporting the transition to greener, more efficient transportation solutions across the nation.
