Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) president and CEO Bob Harbin has retired effective July 31, and will be succeeded by David Carson, general manager of human resources for Daimler Trucks North America.
“Harbin’s retirement brings to a close a distinguished career of more than 30 years as a leader and innovator in the transportation industry,” the company said.
Harbin served as president and CEO of FCCC since 2006, where he helped push the company to its current status as the top chassis supplier in the Class A diesel RV and walk-in van markets, as well as record market share in the commercial bus market, according to the company. He also increased resources to strengthen FCCC’s dealer- and customer-support systems as well as its development of alternative-fuel products, FCCC said.
“Everyone at Daimler Trucks North America and FCCC is incredibly grateful to Bob for his many years of distinguished and dedicated service,” said Martin Daum, president and CEO of Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). “He transformed customer relationships into true business partnerships – as well as anticipating and responding to customer demands for products powered by a wide range of fuel options – quickly bringing FCCC to the premier spot in each of its core markets through his unwavering entrepreneurial spirit.”
Prior to joining FCCC, Harbin worked for more than 20 years at Chrysler, serving in management roles at a number of the automaker’s plants before being promoted to chairman and technical director of a joint Chrysler-BMW venture in Brazil.
“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to lead this outstanding team here at FCCC for almost a decade,” Harbin said. “FCCC is more than just a place to work – it’s a family. I have been honored to be part of the family and I will miss them greatly.”
Carson joined DTNA in 2001 and has served in a series of senior leadership positions and became a member of the DTNA Operating Committee in 2009. Carson will assume his new role Aug. 1, 2015, the company said. A successor to Carson will be announced at a later time.