New faces, new structure for local Daimler arm

Daimler Truck & Bus Australia/Pacific has rolled out a new management and organisational structure headed by returning ex-pat Daniel Whitehead

As part of Daimler AG’s global restructuring program, local division Daimler Truck & Bus Australia/Pacific has announced it is adopting a new organisational framework that will see Sales and Service support aligned under specific general managers for each of the company’s brands, namely Mercedes-Benz, Fuso, and Freightliner.

The new-look structure will be headed up by Daniel Whitehead (pictured), who has replaced outgoing Managing Director Kolja Rebstock and who returns home to Australia after serving various roles with Daimler in Hong Kong and China.

The reshuffle will also see Daimler Truck & Bus Australia/Pacific brought under the broader umbrella of Daimler Trucks North America. Previously, Mercedes-Benz Truck & Bus was aligned under Daimler AG while Freightliner was aligned under Daimler Trucks North America.

According to Daimler Trucks North America’s Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Mark Lampert, the changes underline a renewed focus for the broader group.

“We welcome this opportunity to play a bigger role in the region,” he said.

“Australia/Pacific has historically been one of our largest export markets. I am confident that the new Daimler Truck & Bus organisational structure and management team led by Daniel Whitehead will ensure continued success in the future.”

It’s a sweet homecoming for Whitehead, who started out in the sales division at PACCAR Australia 15 years ago.

“I’m very excited considering the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with Daimler Truck & Bus Australia/Pacific, and I welcome the prospect of leading a team that delivers premium products and service to our customers,” he said.

“A brand-based approach to key customer-facing functions will concentrate our ability to grow our presence and support our customers. Sales, Marketing, Parts, Service and other functions will be enabled to pull in the same direction, as a team.”

The new structure sees Kristi Walker, currently Manager of Sales Operations for Daimler Trucks North America, take on the role of General Manager of Freightliner for Daimler Truck & Bus Australia/Pacific from April 1, 2014.

Justin Whitford moves from General Manager of Mercedes-Benz Buses to General Manager of Mercedes-Benz Truck & Bus, while Richard Eyre continues in the role of General Manager of Fuso.

Gary Wheatley, who has been with Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific for 28 years, assumes the new role of General Manager of Dealer Development & Marketing.

Outgoing GM Kolja Rebstock finished his assignment in Australia on February 28, 2014, and now moves to Daimler AG to assume the position of Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Mercedes-Benz Vans for Asia, Africa, and Central & Eastern Europe.

Rebstock said moving on gave him pause to reflect on the firm’s local success.

“It saddens me to leave my Daimler Truck & Bus team here in Australia and New Zealand but I am extremely proud of what we have achieved in the last three years,” he said.

New faces, new structure for local Daimler arm

Tags