MACON, Ga. — Blue Bird Corporation, a leader in clean-emission school buses, announced that Phil Horlock, former CEO and a member of the company’s board of directors, will be stepping down from the board, effective immediately. 

Horlock served as president & CEO of Blue Bird for more than 12 years, leading the organization through a period of transformative growth and long-term value creation. Following his tenure as CEO, Horlock remained on the board after the appointment of John Wyskiel as president and CEO nearly one year ago. Horlock continued to provide strategic insight and mentorship to the company’s leadership team. 

“On behalf of the entire board and leadership team, I want to thank Phil for his extraordinary service to Blue Bird,” said Doug Grimm, chairman of the board. “His vision, discipline and integrity as CEO helped shape the strong foundation we operate from today. As a director, his voice has been indispensable, and we are grateful for the legacy of excellence he leaves behind. We wish Phil all the best in his retirement.” 

“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve Blue Bird, as CEO and as a director of this outstanding Board,” said Horlock. “I leave with full confidence in the current leadership and the strategic direction of the company, and I look forward to watching Blue Bird continue to lead the industry into the future.”