AM General on Tuesday announced former HDT Global chief executive Andy Hove will succeed Charlie Hall as President and CEO of the tactical vehicle manufacturer.

Hall announced his retirement Monday after five years with AM General, which builds the Humvee U.S. and foreign militaries, among other combat and civilian vehicles.

“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,” Hall said in a statement. “When I first joined the company five years ago we sought to fortify the [Humvee] brand, grow international sales, and diversify our commercial vehicle business. I can confidently say I leave the company having exceeded our initial goals.”  

Hove has executive experience at several prime vehicle manufacturers. He most recently served as the President and CEO of HDT Global. Before that he was president of regular AM General competitor Oshkosh Defense [OSK], which under different leadership bested AM General for a contract to replace the Humvee with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). At Oshkosh, Hove captured several multi-billion dollar military truck contracts, including for the family of medium tactical vehicles (FMTV) and mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) all-terrain vehicles.

At BAE Systems, Hove headed the Bradley Combat Systems program, growing sales from $250 million in 2003 to $2 billion by 2007. Hove also served as an Army Officer and Foreign Area Officer for over 10 years both in the United States and overseas.

“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 said. “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.”