Blue Bird Corporation has announced the appointment of Britton Smith to president, effective July 1, 2023. Phil Horlock, Blue Bird president and CEO, will continue to hold the role of CEO after Smith’s appointment takes effect.

Smith joined Blue Bird in March 2022 as senior vice president of electrification and chief strategy officer. The appointment of Smith to president recognizes the increasing importance of electrification to Blue Bird’s growth strategy. He will continue to lead this key business initiative while taking on additional responsibilities across the company in an effort to bolster Blue Bird’s industry leadership in low- and zero-emissions student transportation.

Smith builds on more than 20 years of executive experience in public and private equity-owned companies across manufacturing, industrial, healthcare, and financial services sectors. Before joining Blue Bird, he served as director of strategy and deal advisory at KPMG. In addition, he previously held various executive roles, including chief operating officer at financial services company DFC Global Corp, and associate principal at management consulting firm McKinsey & Company.

“Under Britton’s leadership, we have significantly expanded our market-leading position in electric school bus transportation,” Horlock said. “As school districts across North America accelerate the transition to electric school bus fleets, zero-emission vehicles represent the most dynamic growth opportunity for Blue Bird for years to come. As president, Britton will focus his broad industry experience and leadership capabilities on Blue Bird’s entire portfolio of zero- and low-emission school buses. Our Blue Bird team, together with the best dealer network in the business, will continue to advance clean student transportation and shape the future of our industry.”

Smith holds a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering with highest distinction from the United States Naval Academy.