Daimler has been breaking record sales and the brand has rejuvenated its line-ups and has its reputation blooming. So why should the company change the tendency? In order to keep them going, they have extended Dieter Zetsche’s contract until December 31st, 2019.
The Supervisory Board of Daimler AG has decided in a meeting held today, to extend the contract of Dieter Zetsche by three years. Zetsche, who is now 62, will keep his position of Chairman of the Board of Management at Daimler AG and Head of the Mercedes-Benz cars until December 31st, 2019.
“Daimler is more successful than ever. This proves that Dieter Zetsche pursues and implements the right strategy not only aligned with the supervisory board. He also can make employees enthusiastic for the demanding targets of the group”, said Manfred Bischoff.
Dieter Zetsche joined Daimler-Benz back in 1976, as a member of the Research division. Later on, he led the local Mercedes-Benz corporations in Brazil, Argentina and others. In 1998, he became a member of the Board of Management at Daimler AG. On January 1st, 2006, he switched to the position of Chairman of the Board of Management and now also leads the Mercedes-Benz Cars Division.
It is not the only change done at the top management level. Professor Doctor Thomas Weber is leaving the company at the end of his contract, on December 31st, 2016. Thomas Weber is leaving Daimler AG by mutual agreement and at his own request and will continue to assist the company in an advisory capacity. Ola Kallenius will be the man to replace him as of January 1st, 2017. He is currently running the Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales department.
“Research and Development are two key fields in the automotive industry for maintaining a lasting top position. With Ola Källenius, we are appointing an experienced board colleague with extensive expertise in the passenger car business as Board of Management member for Research & Development. At the same time, we are positioning the Board of Management to be younger and more international”, said the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Daimler AG.
Ola Kallenius joined the Board of Management at Daimler AG on the 1st of January 2015. The Swedish-born manager had been with the company since 1993, running through various positions and divisions within the group.
