South Bend, Indiana – Military vehicle maker AM General has named Andy Hove as CEO and president, succeeding Charlie Hall who is retiring.

Hove brings to AM General a track record of excellence at a diverse array of defense and commercial companies in the United States and around the world. Hove most recently served as the president and CEO of HDT Global where he rapidly proved the quality of his leadership in helping transform the company.

Hove also served as president of Oshkosh Defense, where he led a team of over 3,000 employees, secured long-term multi-billion dollar military vehicle programs (including programs such as FMTV and M-ATV), established innovative international defense sales platforms, and dramatically increased company revenue. At BAE, Hove headed the Bradley Combat Systems program during its time of transition, successfully growing sales from $250 million in 2003 to $2 billion by 2007.

Hove also served as an Army Officer and Foreign Area Officer for more than ten years both in the U.S. and overseas.

Retiring AM General CEO Charlie Hall says, "It has been a privilege to lead this extraordinary company and its world class defense and commercial teams during a period of such exciting transformation. When I first joined the company five years ago we sought to fortify the HMMWV brand, grow international sales, and diversify our commercial vehicle business. I can confidently say I leave the company having exceeded our initial goals. Our HMMWV sets the global standard for light tactical vehicles and I am so pleased that it will continue to serve as the backbone of fleets for the United States military, the National Guard, and fighting forces around the world for decades to come."

Hall adds, "I have known and respected Andy for years. With his deep experience in the vehicle manufacturing industry both in the United States and internationally, I cannot think of a better executive to take the helm at AM General during this exciting time of continued growth. I wish him and the entire AM General team the best."

AM General designs, produces, and supports specialized vehicles for both military and commercial use, most notably the High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or "Humvee").

AM General's commercial vehicle manufacturing business includes its wholly owned subsidiary, Mobility Ventures, designer and manufacturer of the acclaimed MV-1, the only American made vehicle specifically engineered from the ground up in support of wheelchair users and people with disabilities. AM General is proud to have been selected by Mercedes-Benz to be its only contract manufacturer in the United States, producing the R-Class vehicle in Mishawaka, Indiana.

"I am excited to join AM General as it continues to lead our industry with its agile and iconic products and its unparalleled workforce," Hove says. "In particular, the HMMWV has so much to offer our domestic and international military customers. I look forward to leading these critical modernization programs, growing our unique commercial assembly business, and continuing Charlie Hall's commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation."

Source: AM General