Change in Leadership at Mercedes-Benz Vans and Realignment of the Heritage of Mercedes-Benz

Rhea-AI Summary

Mercedes-Benz AG announced a leadership change, with Marcus Breitschwerdt transitioning from Head of Mercedes–Benz Vans to oversee brand heritage and classic business starting January 1, 2022. Mathias Geisen, currently Head of Corporate Strategy, will succeed him. Geisen has extensive experience within the company, having held various roles since 1998, including leading van sales outside Europe and overseeing product management for SUVs and electric vehicles. This realignment aims to enhance the company's focus on electric mobility and strengthen its luxury brand positioning.

Positive

• Leadership transition to Mathias Geisen, who has a proven track record in strategic roles.
• Breitschwerdt's new role focuses on expanding the classic and heritage business, enhancing brand positioning.
• Company aims to strengthen its commitment to electric mobility and connected future with the new Van.EA platform.

Negative

• None.

STUTTGART, Germany, Dec. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Under the leadership of Marcus Breitschwerdt (60), currently Head of Mercedes–Benz Vans, all aspects of brand and corporate heritage incl. the Mercedes–Benz Museum, as well as all business activities in the Classic area will be realigned on January 1, 2022. He will pass his current role as Head of Mercedes–Benz Vans on January 1, 2022 to Mathias Geisen (43), currently Head of Corporate Strategy for Daimler & Mercedes-Benz.

"Mathias Geisen has played a decisive role in shaping the strategic course of our company. He is one of the architects of Mercedes–Benz' realignment to a leading technology company in the automotive luxury segment and played a key role in the implementation of this strategy. As a committed leader with broad, international expertise he has proven skills in a wide variety of departments and regions. Mathias is therefore excellently suited to succeed Marcus Breitschwerdt in leading our van business further into the future," said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes–Benz AG.

Mathias Geisen joined the then Daimler–Benz AG in 1998. After serving in several positions in product management and sales, including for the E- and G-Class, Geisen took over responsibility for Mercedes–Benz van sales outside Europe in 2013. From 2014 to 2017 he worked as General Manager for Mercedes–Benz Vans in the U.S. before leading various projects for the Van business field development in France. Beginning in 2019 Mathias Geisen took on responsibility for the entire product management of Mercedes–Benz SUVs, compact vehicles and electric cars. He next moved over to head up corporate strategy for Daimler and Mercedes–Benz.

"Marcus Breitschwerdt has successfully realigned our van division in terms of its business, strategy and technology. The results of his successful leadership of Mercedes–Benz Vans are a strong balance sheet, an attractive product portfolio and a clear course into a pure electric and connected future based on the new Van.EA platform. On behalf of the entire company, I would like to thank Marcus for his outstanding achievements at Mercedes-Benz Vans. I am pleased that in the future, he will take care of the entirety of our Mercedes–Benz AG heritage and classic business as this central component of the luxury positioning of our brand continues to gain in importance. As a true and thoroughbred entrepreneur with a passion for classic cars and brand expertise, Marcus is an ideal leader for the expansion of this strategically important area," stated Ola Källenius.

Marcus Breitschwerdt joined the management associate programme at Mercedes–Benz AG in 1991 as a controller. He led the company's transportation and environmental strategy for a number of years before taking over responsibility for the Mercedes–Benz Cars' marketing and portfolio strategy in 2000. Later posts included President and CEO of Mercedes–Benz Canada and President and CEO of Mercedes–Benz UK. In 2014 Marcus Breitschwerdt was commissioned to create and lead the new Mercedes–Benz Cars Europe Sales Region. Marcus Breitschwerdt serves as Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans since the beginning of 2019.

Mercedes-Benz AG at a glance
Mercedes-Benz AG is responsible for the global business of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Mercedes-Benz Vans, with over 170,000 employees worldwide. Ola Källenius is Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG. The company focuses on the development, production and sales of passenger cars, vans and vehicle-related services. Furthermore, the company aspires to be the leader in the fields of electric mobility and vehicle software. The product portfolio comprises the Mercedes-Benz brand with the brands of Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-EQ, G-Class and the smart brand. The Mercedes me brand offers access to the digital services from Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz AG is one of the world's largest manufacturers of luxury passenger cars. In 2020 it sold around 2.1 million passenger cars and nearly 375,000 vans. In its two business segments, Mercedes-Benz AG is continually expanding its worldwide production network with around 35 production sites on four continents, while gearing itself to meet the requirements of electric mobility. At the same time, the company is constructing and extending its global battery production network on three continents. As sustainability is the guiding principle of the Mercedes-Benz strategy and for the company itself, this means creating lasting value for all stakeholders: for customers, employees, investors, business partners and society as a whole. The basis for this is Daimler's sustainable business strategy. The company thus takes responsibility for the economic, ecological and social effects of its business activities and looks at the entire value chain.

 

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SOURCE Daimler North America - Corporate Communications

FAQ

What leadership changes occurred at Mercedes-Benz AG?

Marcus Breitschwerdt will transition to oversee brand heritage while Mathias Geisen becomes the new Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans effective January 1, 2022.

Who is Mathias Geisen and what is his role at Mercedes-Benz AG?

Mathias Geisen is the newly appointed Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, previously serving as Head of Corporate Strategy, with experience in various roles since joining the company in 1998.

What are the future plans for Mercedes-Benz Vans under new leadership?

Under Mathias Geisen, the focus will be on enhancing the electric mobility strategy and expanding the company's luxury brand through the Van.EA platform.

How is Mercedes-Benz AG focusing on electric mobility?

The company is realigning its strategy to lead in electric mobility and vehicle software, which will be central to its future operations.