HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Collins Industries, a leading manufacturer of specialty vehicles, has named Kent Tyler as president of its bus division, effective immediately.

Collins Industries’ bus division comprises Collins Bus Corp. and Mid Bus Inc., collectively the largest Type A school bus manufacturer in North America. The companies have manufacturing facilities in Kansas and Ohio.

“Kent has been with Collins Industries for nine years and has played an important role in the success of this division,” said Randall Swift, president and CEO of Collins Industries. “He understands the diversity of the market, the importance of customer and dealer relationships and the integral part all our employees play in the overall success of the company.”

Tyler replaces Paul Kessler, who left the company to pursue other interests. Tyler most recently served as Collins Industries’ corporate vice president of sales and marketing. Before joining the company, he was vice president of Ackerman McQueen, a full-service national marketing and advertising agency. Tyler is a graduate of Oklahoma State University.