COLTON, Calif. — A-Z Bus Sales Inc. announced last week the retirement of CEO Jim Reynolds after 13 years of service. Last month, the company’s board of directors approved current president John Landherr as Reynolds’ successor, naming him president and CEO of A-Z Bus Sales.

Landherr assumed the role effective July 1.

Reynolds will remain a member of the board of directors.

“Jim has guided and led A-Z Bus Sales in ways that we needed, and we would not have evolved into who we are today without his leadership,” said George Tillery, founder and chairman of the board. “Jim has led us to [become] the marketplace leader for school bus sales in California. This culminated in the recognition from Blue Bird by naming A-Z Bus Sales employee-owners as the ‘Dealer of the Year for 2013.’”

Reynolds began his career with A-Z Bus Sales after leaving Tyco Security, a supplier of fire and security products, in 2001. His initial role with A-Z Bus Sales was manager of new school bus sales, overseeing marketing and sales operations. Reynolds was later promoted to vice president, then president. He led A-Z Bus Sales for 10 years as president, until adding the role of CEO in 2010. After hiring Landherr as president in July 2013, Reynolds continued in his leadership position of CEO.

During his 13 years of service, Reynolds led extraordinary growth at A-Z Bus Sales, according to the company, increasing its revenue and income. Reynolds further developed business opportunities with A-Z Bus Sales, launching two new divisions for the company: A-Z Emissions Solutions, providing diesel truck and fleet owners CARB compliance assistance, and A-Z Fire Apparatus, serving as an authorized E-One Fire apparatus dealer in California.

“It has been my privilege to serve our customers and employees of A-Z Bus Sales,” Reynolds said. “We have a great team in place to continue our industry leadership and growth.”

Landherr, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, U.S. Marines veteran, and Texas A&M MBA graduate in finance, joined A-Z Bus Sales in July of 2013 after being recruited by Reynolds and approved by the board of directors.

“John’s leadership credentials, track record and accomplishments make him the perfect individual to lead A-Z Bus Sales and its future growth,” said Tillery. “His integrity is exemplary and in line with our core values.”

Prior to joining A-Z Bus Sales, Landherr served as president of Certified Aviation Services (CAS), where he was responsible for growing the regional business into a national business, supplying aviation services to airlines and OEMs. Prior to CAS, Landherr served as chief operating officer of Smiths Aerospace, formerly Integrated Aerospace, a market leader in aerospace manufacturing.

“I am honored and humbled to lead such an outstanding organization that strives for customer service excellence to both their customers and fellow employee owners,” Landherr said.

Landherr’s leadership and service extends beyond his professional career, company officials said. He is a board member for the Let it Be Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides support and services to Southern California families with children fighting cancer and pediatric life-threatening illnesses. He also serves as a member of the Los Angeles County Fair Association.