Automotive Industry Leader and AI Luminary Nils Schanz Named Chief Product Officer at Cerence

Rhea-AI Summary

Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) has appointed Nils Schanz as Chief Product Officer, marking a significant leadership addition. With a 15-year tenure at Daimler, Schanz has played a vital role in developing the renowned MBUX multimedia system. His leadership will focus on enhancing Cerence’s core mobility products, digital cabin strategy, and overall customer delivery. CEO Stefan Ortmanns praised Schanz's visionary approach, suggesting that his strategic experience will propel the company forward in the evolving mobility landscape.

Positive

• Appointment of Nils Schanz as Chief Product Officer, indicating strategic focus on mobility products.
• Schanz has a proven track record at Daimler, boosting confidence in product innovation.
• Focus on enhancing digital cabin strategy and customer delivery across global operations.

Negative

• None.

Schanz to lead product strategy and customer delivery after fifteen years at Daimler

BURLINGTON, Mass., Oct. 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC), AI for a world in motion, today announced it has named Nils Schanz, a respected and accomplished automotive and AI technology leader and fifteen-year veteran of Daimler and Mercedes-Benz, as the company’s Chief Product Officer. In this role, a first at the company, Mr. Schanz will be responsible for Cerence’s core mobility products, leading its digital cabin strategy, product portfolio, and customer delivery across the company’s global operations.

Mr. Schanz joins Cerence from Mercedes-Benz AG and Daimler, where he developed the highly regarded MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), the automaker’s intuitive, high-tech multimedia system, and launched other widely acclaimed innovations such as the award-winning MBUX Hyperscreen and the Voice Assistant “Hey Mercedes.” Since 2018, he has served as Global Head of User Interaction & Voice Control, leading a cross-functional team with global responsibility for digital user interface and user experience. Prior to his most recent role, Mr. Schanz held a variety of positions at Daimler and Mercedes-Benz in R&D, Product Management, and Marketing. In addition to his Germany-based roles, he also spent time in Silicon Valley as Director of IoT & Wearables at Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America.

“I have had the honor and pleasure of working alongside Nils for many years throughout our long-term partnership with Merecedes-Benz. He is an agile, visionary leader who is deeply passionate about everything he does,” said Stefan Ortmanns, CEO, Cerence. “Nils is an esteemed, well-known executive who has driven incredible innovation in our industry and is intimately familiar with Cerence and our portfolio. I look forward to his many contributions and leadership as we advance the future of mobility.”

“I know first-hand that the Cerence team is smart, innovative, and committed to excellence, and I couldn’t be more excited to join at this important time for the company,” said Nils Schanz. “I look forward to bringing my experience in strategy and engineering for the digital cabin to Cerence and further advancing the company’s product excellence and execution to create a safer and more enjoyable journey for all.”

To learn more about Cerence, visit www.cerence.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Cerence Inc.
Cerence (NASDAQ: CRNC) is the global industry leader in creating unique, moving experiences for the mobility world. As an innovation partner to the world’s leading automakers and mobility OEMs, it is helping advance the future of connected mobility through intuitive, powerful interaction between humans and their vehicles, connecting consumers’ digital lives to their daily journeys no matter where they are. Cerence’s track record is built on more than 20 years of knowledge and more than 450 million cars shipped with Cerence technology. Whether it’s connected cars, autonomous driving, e-vehicles, or two-wheelers, Cerence is mapping the road ahead. For more information, visit www.cerence.com.

Kate Hickman | Tel: 339-215-4583 | Email: kate.hickman@cerence.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2771c702-a53d-4b5d-b8ae-743a2f6e04a2

FAQ

Who is the new Chief Product Officer at Cerence?

Nils Schanz has been appointed as the new Chief Product Officer at Cerence.

What previous experience does Nils Schanz have?

Nils Schanz has 15 years of experience at Daimler, where he developed the MBUX multimedia system.

What are Nils Schanz's responsibilities at Cerence?

He will lead Cerence's core mobility products, digital cabin strategy, and customer delivery globally.

When was the announcement made regarding Nils Schanz's appointment?

The announcement was made on October 27, 2022.

What impact could Schanz's appointment have on Cerence's product strategy?

Schanz's appointment is expected to enhance product innovation and customer delivery in the mobility sector.