FORT VALLEY, Ga. — Greg Bennett will step down as Blue Bird Corp.’s CEO at the end of this calendar year, the company announced Monday.

Phil Horlock, currently the school bus manufacturer’s chief financial officer and chief administrative officer, will immediately assume the additional role of president.

Horlock joined Blue Bird in January following more than 30 years with Ford Motor Co., where he held a number of executive positions in finance and operations, with global responsibilities.

Blue Bird’s board “appreciates Greg’s significant contributions to the ongoing transformation of Blue Bird,” Chairman of the Board Chan W. Galbato said. “Under Greg’s leadership, we have taken critical steps in improving Blue Bird’s product and cost competitiveness, in a difficult economic environment. We are now well positioned for long-term success and are excited about Blue Bird’s future. We look forward to working with Phil and the Blue Bird team.”

Bennett said that he is “proud to have led the Blue Bird team through this period of transformation. I look forward to working closely with Phil through the balance of the year to ensure a smooth transition.”