Blue Bird's New Era: Horlock Retires as Firm Hits Record Performance

MACON, GA – December 29, 2025 – Blue Bird Corporation, the iconic school bus manufacturer, has announced the definitive end of an era with the immediate retirement of former CEO Phil Horlock from its Board of Directors. The departure marks the final step in a year-long leadership transition, solidifying a new chapter for the company as it navigates a period of record financial success and aggressive expansion in the clean-emission vehicle market.

Horlock, who remained on the board in a mentorship capacity for nearly a year, leaves behind a significant legacy after steering the company for over 12 years as President and CEO.

A Legacy of Transformative Growth

Phil Horlock's tenure at the helm of Blue Bird is widely credited with guiding the company through a period of profound change and value creation. He led the organization from 2011 until early 2025, a span during which Blue Bird cemented its position as an innovator, particularly in the alternative-fuels sector.

His leadership was instrumental in shaping the company's strategic pivot towards propane, natural gas, and ultimately, market-leading electric school buses. This foresight positioned the Macon, Georgia-based manufacturer to capitalize on the growing demand for cleaner student transportation.

In a statement, Chairman of the Board Doug Grimm lauded Horlock's contributions. “On behalf of the entire Board and leadership team, I want to thank Phil for his extraordinary service to Blue Bird,” Grimm said. “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.”

Horlock’s decision to remain on the board following the appointment of his successor was seen by market watchers as a strategic move to ensure stability and a seamless handover. Expressing his confidence in the company's trajectory, Horlock stated, “It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve Blue Bird, as CEO and as a director of this outstanding Board. I leave with full confidence in the current leadership and the strategic direction of the company.”

The New Guard's Focus on Operational Excellence

With Horlock’s full departure, leadership is now firmly in the hands of President and CEO John Wyskiel, who took the reins on February 17, 2025. Wyskiel is an industry veteran with over 35 years of experience in global manufacturing and supply chain management, bringing a sharp focus on operational efficiency to the role.

His background includes a 20-year tenure at automotive parts giant Magna International, where he most recently served as President of its $6 billion Magna Seating division. This experience in managing vast, complex manufacturing operations was a key factor in his selection. Notably, Wyskiel also has a prior history with Blue Bird, having served as General Manager of its Canadian operations from 2002 to 2004.

Since his appointment, Wyskiel has championed a philosophy of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making to build more scalable operations. His leadership has coincided with a period of remarkable financial achievement, validating the board's decision to transition leadership from a position of strength. At the time of Wyskiel's hiring, Grimm noted that the business was "running extremely well with profitability, margins and liquidity at record levels," making it an "ideal time to transition to a new CEO."

Record Performance in the Electric Revolution

The transition period has proven to be anything but a slowdown for Blue Bird. The company recently posted record results for its 2025 fiscal year, which ended on September 27. Net sales climbed nearly 10% to $1.48 billion, while GAAP net income surged 21% to $127.7 million. Adjusted EBITDA, a key measure of profitability, hit a record $221.3 million.

Crucially, this growth is being powered by the company’s leadership in the electric vehicle (EV) space. Blue Bird delivered a record 901 electric school buses in fiscal 2025, representing nearly 10% of its total unit sales. The company's strong backlog of approximately 680 EV bus orders for fiscal 2026 signals sustained momentum.

This success is buoyed by significant government investment, particularly the EPA's Clean School Bus Program. The $5 billion initiative, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has already awarded nearly $3 billion to help school districts replace aging diesel fleets. With roughly 95% of funded replacements being battery-electric, Blue Bird is a primary beneficiary of this federal tailwind. The strong performance and positive market outlook have resonated with investors, with Blue Bird's stock (NASDAQ: BLBD) gaining approximately 39% since the beginning of the year.

Navigating a Competitive and Evolving Landscape

While Blue Bird enjoys a leading position, it operates in a highly competitive market, facing off against established rivals like Thomas Built Buses, a subsidiary of Daimler Truck, and IC Bus, part of Navistar. The company’s primary strategic advantage lies in its diverse powertrain portfolio.

Unlike some competitors who are going all-in on electric, Blue Bird continues to offer a full suite of options, including diesel, gasoline, propane, and natural gas, alongside its flagship EVs. Wyskiel has emphasized that this strategy of offering choice is critical, allowing school districts to select the technology that best fits their operational needs and budget. This approach also serves as a strategic hedge, insulating the company from potential shifts in government policy or regulatory standards, such as the ongoing review of federal emissions regulations by the new administration's EPA.

As the company moves forward, it does so on the solid foundation built by Horlock but with a clear mandate under Wyskiel to optimize operations and scale its leadership in clean transportation. Horlock's retirement from the board closes a significant chapter in Blue Bird’s 98-year history, but the company’s record performance and strategic positioning suggest it is well-prepared to drive into the future.