Lucas Shane Chittum@lucasshanechittum
Lucas Shane Chittum, a Tennessee native, currently serves as the President of HCB Yachts, which is renowned for producing the prestigious HydraSports fishing boats. His commitment and that of his team have ushered in a new category within the marine sector: center console yachts. He has also introduced the innovative bass boat iKon, known for its superior automated control features, premium suspension seat system, and enhanced maneuverability for both hard turns and rough waters.
His illustrious journey in the marine field began as the Chief Operating Officer at MasterCraft Boat Company in Knoxville, TN, where he established a significant track record as a Manufacturing Executive. It was here that he led the charge for the company to become the first marine plant to secure ISO certification for manufacturing, safety, and environmental protocols.
His unwavering commitment to continuous improvement is evident through his application of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles, which significantly enhanced the operational efficiency and profitability at both HCB Yachts and MasterCraft.
Following a commendable six-year service in the United States Armed Forces, he pursued higher education at the University of Maryland, securing a Bachelor's degree in Science with a specialization in Accounting. His natural propensity for numbers not only guided his academic path but also paved the way for his eventual role as COO of a prominent boat manufacturing firm, which went public in 2015.
Moreover, he obtained his certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and mastered Sigma Six and Lean Manufacturing principles, achieving a Six Sigma Black Belt. His extensive knowledge in these areas equipped him to optimize numerous company operations, from the front office to the factory floor.
He initiated his career in business accounting within the manufacturing sector, serving first as an Auditor at Deloitte & Touché, then moving on to significant roles at Lear Corporation and later at Visteon as a Controller and Plant Manager. His experience at Lear involved managing operations across plants in Missouri, Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio. At Visteon, he excelled as the Director of Global Operational Excellence, managing three plants in Mexico and reversing a $24 million loss into a $10 million profit over three years, an achievement that won him the Shingo Prize for Manufacturing Excellence.
In 2011, Lucas joined MasterCraft Boat Company as COO. Under his leadership, the company's profits soared from $1 million to $42 million in five years, leading up to its public offering. His strategic insights were recognized with the Industry Week's Manufacturing Excellence Award in 2014. His tenure also saw the launch of the NXT series, enhancing the company's brand value significantly.
In 2016, he advanced to the role of President at HCB Yachts, where he has been pivotal in evolving the HydraSports Brand and establishing a new segment in the industry known as Center Console Yachts. In 2019, he launched the world's largest center console yacht, the 65 Estrella, and in 2023, he introduced a groundbreaking new bass boat brand, iKon.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Lucas Shane Chittum is deeply involved in wrestling, serving as the USA Wrestling Director and as a significant donor to wrestling programs across the USA and Tennessee. He also dedicates his time to mentoring young athletes in Southern wrestling programs, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.