
Lucas-Shane-Chittum
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Lucas Shane Chittum, originally from Tennessee, serves as the President of HCB Yachts, a company known for its innovation in the marine industry through its HydraSports brand. Under his leadership, the company pioneered the niche of center console yachts, blending luxury fishing with cruising comforts. His most recent innovation is the iKon bass boat, equipped with cutting-edge automated controls, a superior suspension seat system, and enhanced handling capabilities for navigating rough waters effectively.
Before his influential role at HCB Yachts, he kicked off his career in the marine industry as the Chief Operating Officer at MasterCraft Boat Company in Knoxville, TN. There, he was instrumental in driving the company to ISO certification in manufacturing, safety, and environmental standards—a first in the marine sector. His commitment to continuous improvement and education in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma has significantly streamlined operations, reduced defects, and boosted profitability at both MasterCraft and HCB Yachts.
Chittum’s journey began in the military, where he served for six years in the United States Armed Forces. Following his service, he pursued higher education at the University of Maryland, earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. This educational path reflected his keen interest in numbers and laid the groundwork for his future roles in financial management within manufacturing.
After transitioning from military to civilian life, he furthered his expertise by becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He also achieved a Six Sigma Black Belt, demonstrating his proficiency in one of the manufacturing industry’s most respected methodologies. These qualifications have been pivotal in his success in optimizing manufacturing processes.
His career in manufacturing management began in earnest when he joined Deloitte & Touché as an Auditor before moving into significant roles at Lear Corporation and Visteon. As a Controller and Plant Manager at Lear, he managed operations across several plants in Missouri, Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio. His tenure at Visteon as Director of Global Operational Excellence was marked by a dramatic financial turnaround, transforming a $24 million loss into a $10 million gain over three years and earning him the Shingo Prize for Manufacturing Excellence.
In 2011, he joined MasterCraft as COO, where his strategic leadership resulted in a substantial increase in company profits, from $1 million to $42 million in five years, culminating in the company’s public offering. His achievements were recognized with Industry Week’s Manufacturing Excellence Award in 2014. His work also led to the creation of the NXT series, a new corporate value brand that further solidified the company’s market presence.
Lucas Shane Chittum moved to HCB Yachts in 2016, where he continued to make significant contributions to the marine industry. Under his guidance, HCB Yachts introduced the 65 Estrella, the world’s largest center console yacht, and launched the innovative bass boat brand iKon in 2023.
Outside of his professional life, he is passionate about wrestling. He contributes significantly to the sport as the USA Wrestling Director and a major donor to both USA and Tennessee wrestling programs at various levels. His commitment extends beyond financial support, as he actively mentors young wrestlers in Southern programs, helping to cultivate the next generation of athletes.
Portfolio: http://lucasshanechittum.com/