Today, T.J. Reed's new position as president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses (TBB) and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp (FCCC) is official, according to a news release from Daimler Truck North America LLC (DTNA). In this role, Reed will be responsible for all aspects of both the Thomas Built Buses and FCCC brands, including strategy, sales, and operations. 

Reed succeeds Kevin Bangston, who was appointed CEO and president of Daimler Truck Financial Services North America just last month. 

Reed has over 25 years of experience in the truck manufacturing industry. He joined Daimler Truck in 1998 as a custom application engineer for vocational trucks and has since various leadership roles in product marketing, strategy, pricing and P&L within DTNA. He spent six years with Meritor Inc., where he held several senior leadership positions, including vice president of global business development for electrification.

"We’re excited to have T.J. at the helm of these specialty vehicle business units. His extensive industry knowledge and exceptional leadership skills will further strengthen and drive the success of both FCCC and TBB," said John O’Leary, president and CEO of DTNA. "With his vision and holistic approach to operations he will be a valuable asset to these already strong businesses – and help continue to pave the way to sustainable transportation."

Reed earned an MBA from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s degree in business and history from Muskingum University.

Thomas Built Buses also rolled out its new Saf-T-Liner HDX2 in July.