Thomas Built Buses names Platt new chief

Feb. 1, 2010
Kelley Platt has been appointed president & CEO of Thomas Built Buses, effective January 1, 2010. Platt, who joined the school bus maker’s parent, Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA), in 1989 as Freightliner manager of treasury servces, played a pivotal role in the company’s 1998 acquisition of Thomas Built Buses (TBB), the company noted

Kelley Platt has been appointed president & CEO of Thomas Built Buses, effective January 1, 2010. Platt, who joined the school bus maker’s parent, Daimler Trucks North America LLC (DTNA), in 1989 as Freightliner manager of treasury servces, played a pivotal role in the company’s 1998 acquisition of Thomas Built Buses (TBB), the company noted.

Most recently, Platt has served as 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,” said Platt. “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.”

John O’Leary, who joined Thomas Built BB in 2002, served as president until 2010. O’Leary has moved to a new role as senior vp-- service and parts for DTNA. In that role, he will serve as a member of DTNA’s operating committee and will participate in overall management of the company.

Platt holds a Bachelor’s degree in economics from Colby College and an MBA from Duke University. She and her family have relocated from Portland, OR. to High Point, NC, where Thomas Built is headquartered.

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