Mercedes-Benz USA gets new president

Dietmar Exler will become president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA on January 1.

The announcement was made by Ola Kaellenius, member of the board of management of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales, to whom Exler will report.

Exler succeeds Stephen Cannon, who will leave the company. Cannon will remain as a consultant to MBUSA until January 31, 2016.

“Dietmar’s appointment is central to reinforcing our strategy and our standards around the world, and will continue to strengthen the ties and collaboration within our marketing & sales network,” said Ola Kaellenius, member of the board of management of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales.

In his new role, Exler assumes overall responsibility for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and the smart brand for the U.S. and NAFTA regions. He leads MBUSA’s more than 1,500 employees and 373 dealers throughout the U.S. as well as an additional 1,240 employees in Canada and Mexico. Exler became vice president, sales for MBUSA in January 2014. Exler’s career spans nearly two decades with international business experience in various leadership roles. He began at McKinsey & Co. in 1997 as part of the financial interest group in their Germany office and later in their Midwest office, based out of Detroit, Mich. Five years later, Exler joined (then) DaimlerChrysler Financial as senior manager of program development and was promoted to vice president of marketing the same year.

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse lineup in the luxury segment with 15 model lines ranging from the sporty CLA-Class four-door coupe to the flagship S-Class and the Mercedes-AMG GT S.

MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart products in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com.