Mercedes-Benz South Africa prepares to welcome its new South African-born chief executive, Arno van der Merwe.
Van der Merwe will become CEO of MBSA in March 2014, when current CEO Martin Zimmermann returns to DAG Stuttgart offices as Head of Global Service and Parts for the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands.
TAKING OVER THE REINS
Van der Merwe will retain his current role as Vice President Manufacturing at the MBSA production plant, in addition to his responsibilities as CEO of the company. According to the automaker, "Van der Merwe will be the first South-African born CEO since the company became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler AG."
Zimmermann said: "I am proud of Arno taking over from me. He has been groomed systematically during the past years to take over this senior leadership role, and his experience, passion, dedication and people-oriented leadership style will allow MBSA to continue its drive towards becoming the undisputed leader in all segments where it competes, as well as to remain a passionate contributor to the socio-economic development and transformation of South Africa."
Jurgen Schrempp has resigned from the MBSA board of directors, having served the automaker in various roles, since 1974. He will be replaced as chair by Joachim Schmidt in January 2014.
Schmidt said: “We thank Zimmermann for his tireless efforts during his tenure at MBSA, setting the company up in a new strategic direction with an exceptional growth trajectory.
“We are also confident that van der Merwe’s strong track record of leadership and performance will further enhance the management team and the company’s goals for the future.”
Van der Merwe will become CEO of MBSA in March 2014, when current CEO Martin Zimmermann returns to DAG Stuttgart offices as Head of Global Service and Parts for the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands.
TAKING OVER THE REINS
Van der Merwe will retain his current role as Vice President Manufacturing at the MBSA production plant, in addition to his responsibilities as CEO of the company. According to the automaker, "Van der Merwe will be the first South-African born CEO since the company became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler AG."
Zimmermann said: "I am proud of Arno taking over from me. He has been groomed systematically during the past years to take over this senior leadership role, and his experience, passion, dedication and people-oriented leadership style will allow MBSA to continue its drive towards becoming the undisputed leader in all segments where it competes, as well as to remain a passionate contributor to the socio-economic development and transformation of South Africa."
Jurgen Schrempp has resigned from the MBSA board of directors, having served the automaker in various roles, since 1974. He will be replaced as chair by Joachim Schmidt in January 2014.
Schmidt said: “We thank Zimmermann for his tireless efforts during his tenure at MBSA, setting the company up in a new strategic direction with an exceptional growth trajectory.
“We are also confident that van der Merwe’s strong track record of leadership and performance will further enhance the management team and the company’s goals for the future.”