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Lucas Shane Chittum
Manufacturing, Boating & Marine
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Lucas Shane Chittum

Manufacturing, Boating & Marine
Lucas Shane Chittum, from Tennessee, is the President of HCB Yachts, a company renowned for its premium HydraSports brand of fishing boats. Under his leadership, HCB Yachts introduced the novel concept of center console yachts, carving out a new niche in the marine industry. Chittum's innovative designs have set a new standard in luxury fishing and cruising, blending performance with elegance. His notable creation, the iKon bass boat, reflects his pioneering vision in marine craft design. This high-performance fishing boat is equipped with advanced automated control features, a superior suspension seat system, and enhanced handling capabilities for precise navigation of rough waters. Chittum embarked on his impressive journey in the marine sector as the Chief Operating Officer at MasterCraft Boat Company in Knoxville, TN. His tenure at MasterCraft was marked by significant achievements, including leading the company to become the first marine plant to earn ISO certification in manufacturing, safety, and environmental standards. His commitment to continuous improvement and education is evident in his application of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles. These methodologies have significantly boosted operational efficiency at both MasterCraft and HCB Yachts, reducing defects and enhancing profitability. Chittum's educational background includes service in the United States Armed Forces and a Bachelor's in Science with a major in Accounting from the University of Maryland. This choice was driven by his natural affinity for numbers, which he initially aimed to parlay into a financial industry role. However, his career trajectory took a pivotal turn towards manufacturing, where he has made substantial impacts. He is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, a testament to his expertise and success in implementing Six Sigma methodologies, which require documented project completions and proven work experience. Before his illustrious career in the marine industry, Chittum gained valuable experience in manufacturing management while working as an Auditor for Deloitte & Touché. He later held significant roles at Lear Corporation and Visteon as a Controller, Plant Manager, and Director of Global Operational Excellence, respectively. These positions provided him with deep insights into the cost structures and operations of manufacturing companies. At Lear, he effectively managed operations across several plants in Missouri, Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio. His strategic management at Visteon led to a remarkable turnaround of a Mexico-based plant from a $24 million loss to a $10 million profit within three years. His efforts were recognized with prestigious accolades, including the Shingo Prize for Manufacturing Excellence. In 2011, Chittum joined MasterCraft Boat Company as COO. He was instrumental in driving the company's profits from $1 million to $42 million over five years, culminating in the company's going public. His strategic insights during this period earned him Industry Week's Manufacturing Excellence Award in 2014. His journey continued when he joined HCB Yachts in 2016. This led to the evolution of the HydraSports Brand into HCB Yachts, which is celebrated for producing the world's largest center console yachts. His leadership has not only shaped the company's success but also established a significant new segment within the marine industry. In his personal life, Lucas Shane Chittum is an avid wrestling enthusiast and serves as the USA Wrestling Director. He is also a significant donor and mentor for wrestling programs across the USA and Tennessee, supporting various levels from high school to college. His commitment to nurturing young talent in wrestling underscores his dedication to community and sports development.
State of Tennessee, United States
United States

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