Blue Bird Corporation in Fort Valley announced this week that Greg Bennett is stepping down as CEO at the end of the year. Phil Horlock, the company’s chief financial officer and chief administrative officer also will take on the role of president, according to a news release from the school bus manufacturer.

Horlock joined Blue Bird in January after working 30 years at Ford Motor Company where he held a number of executive positions.

“The Board appreciates Greg’s significant contributions to the ongoing transformation of Blue Bird,” said Chan W. Galbato, chairman of Blue Bird’s board, in the news release. “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.”