Thomas Built names new president
School bus OEM officially announces Kelley Platt as the successor of John O’Leary, who moved into a new role with Daimler Trucks North America. Platt played a pivotal role in Daimler’s 1998 acquisition of Thomas Built.
HIGH POINT, N.C. — Thomas Built Buses officially announced Monday that Kelley Platt has succeeded John O’Leary as president and CEO of the school bus manufacturer.
Platt, who joined Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA) in 1989 as Freightliner manager of treasury services, played a pivotal role in the company’s 1998 acquisition of Thomas Built.
Most recently, Platt served as DTNA’s general manager of business excellence, where she was responsible for product quality, business processes and customer satisfaction.
“I am excited to build upon the groundwork laid by John O’Leary, an important leader in the school bus industry,” Platt said. “By driving innovation and introducing new products, he has grown the Thomas Built name during his tenure and helped deliver new, greener technologies that transport children in a more environmentally-friendly manner.”
O’Leary, who joined Thomas Built in 2002, served as president until the beginning of this year. He moved to a new role as senior vice president, service and parts, for DTNA. He will serve as a member of DTNA’s operating committee and will participate in the overall management of the company.
Platt and her family have relocated from Portland, Ore., to High Point, where Thomas Built is headquartered.
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