Huffy names Berkshire Hathaway exec as new CEO

DAYTON, Ohio -- Huffy Corp. has named a former Berkshire Hathaway executive as the company's new chief executive.

Huffy directors on Wednesday announced the appointment of Claude Jordan as the company's new president and CEO. Jordan succeeds Bill Smith, who Huffy said will retire at the end of the year after 25 years with the company, the last eight as CEO.

Smith remains a director on Huffy's board in addition to new roles of CEO emeritus and senior advisor, Huffy said in an announcement.

"Smith has provided strategic leadership and strong operational experience at Huffy Corp., leading the company's successful return to profitability after emerging from bankruptcy in 2005, particularly in the areas of sales, marketing, merchandising and long-range strategic planning," Huffy said in a statement.

"Bill provided outstanding leadership for the company, its employees and the industry for more than eight years," Huffy Vice Chairman Alex Lam said in the company's statement. "He delivered consistently strong results throughout his tenure and will leave the company in an ideal position for continued success."

Of the newly named CEO, Lam said: "Claude comes to Huffy Corp. as a results-driven leader with the experience to continue the success of the Huffy brand."

Jordan comes most recently from Berkshire Hathaway, where he served as executive director at Fechheimer Brothers in Cincinnati, Huffy said.

His career includes leading Arctic Cat in the Powersports industry as president and CEO from 2011 to 2014 with prior service at Home Depot as president of Home Depot's THD At-Home Services.

Said Smith, "I am truly fortunate to be part of Huffy's rich history and proud to be part of the tremendous team responsible for introducing more families to bicycles than any other brand in the world."

"I am honored and excited to serve as Huffy Corp.'s CEO," Jordan said. "Huffy has a rich legacy, a strong brand and an outstanding team. I look forward to leading Huffy as we continue to win with consumers and customers around the globe and drive new growth."

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