New Flyer of America Inc. and New Flyer Industries Canada ULC, subsidiaries of NFI Group Inc., announced a series of transit bus leadership changes. Kevin Wood, sr. VP, manufacturing & facilities, will retire from New Flyer effective July 2, 2018.

Margaret Lewis, sr. VP, quality assurance & continuous improvement, will assume Wood’s role. In addition, Jennifer McNeill will assume leadership of the sales and marketing operation as VP, sales and marketing, directing the strategic sales and marketing functions to support the transit bus business and long-term strategies. She replaces Paul Smith, executive VP, sales and marketing, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Lewis and McNeill will continue reporting to Wayne Joseph, president of the New Flyer transit bus business.

For over nine years, Wood led the transformation of manufacturing operations and facilities through Operational Excellence, overseeing North America’s first and only manufacturer to achieve all three ISO certifications: ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environmental), and OSHAS 18001 (safety). He achieved LEAN status across all manufacturing facilities in 2012, with two named IndustryWeek’s Plant of the Year and several named Finalist in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. Kevin oversaw the introduction of Xcelsior® bus manufacturing in 2010 and subsequent delivery of its 10,000th bus in May 2018, and also led the development, build, and expansion of multiple manufacturing and fabrication facilities across the continent — initiatives comprising over $100 million.

Lewis has been with New Flyer for nine years, focusing on quality systems implementation and continuous improvement efforts. She joined with over 15 years of automotive industry executive leadership experience, holding prior roles in plant operations management, engineering, and quality, and holding manufacturing plant and facility management roles in the U.S. and India.

McNeill has been with New Flyer for six years, assuming progressive leadership roles in sales and business development. She brings over 20 years of experience leading teams, including her most recent roles of VP, sales & business development, with New Flyer, as well as various senior leadership roles in the aerospace industry, including business strategy, engineering, and customer programs management.

Wood will support the organization during the transition, serving as business advisor to assist NFI Group on operational and strategic matters. “We thank Kevin for his outstanding contribution to advancing our organization through manufacturing,” said Joseph. “Further, we are proud to draw from the bench strength within our New Flyer team, through the promotion of proven industry leaders in Margaret and Jennifer.”