Joanna Buttler named general manager of product strategy and market development at Daimler Truck North America
Daimler Truck North America recently appointed Joanna Buttler as general manager of product strategy and market development.
In her new role, Joanna will oversee the development of DTNA’s product portfolio, both short- and long-term, and spearhead all go-to-market activities. Her responsibilities will include product marketing, brand communications, sales training, and digital sales tools. Joanna’s team represents the Freightliner, Western Star, and Detroit brands, and she will report directly to David Carson, SVP of sales and marketing and member of DTNA’s operating committee.
Joanna brings nearly 20 years of experience with Daimler Truck to her new position. She began her career in 2006 as a marketing analyst and sales support specialist focused on Detroit powertrain. Her journey within the company included roles such as project controller, manager of IT controlling, and support manager for Martin Daum, former president and CEO of DTNA. With Martin’s promotion to CEO of Daimler Truck and Buses in 2017, Joanna became chief of staff, followed by her appointment into executive roles within the autonomous technology group. Most recently, Joanna served as head of the global autonomous technology group, where she significantly impacted the autonomous vehicle industry.
“Joanna’s extensive experience and proven leadership make her the ideal leader to drive our product strategy and market development forward,” said David Carson, SVP of sales and marketing at DTNA. “Her innovative approach and dedication to excellence will continue to strengthen our position in the industry.”
Daimler Truck will continue to progress along its autonomous roadmap, with a succession plan to be announced in the near future.
See also: Transportation Transitions: New leaders for Love’s, SCF, Endeavor, and Kodiak
Merchants Fleet promotes Stephen Merkel to VP, West Region
Merchants Fleet recently promoted Stephen Merkel to VP, West Region. In this role, Merkel will be responsible for driving client success, expanding regional growth, and strengthening partnerships across the western U.S.
Merkel brings more than two decades of fleet industry experience, beginning his career at Enterprise in a series of leadership roles before advancing to Bancorp, where he delivered strong performance in highly competitive markets.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to take on this new role leading the West Region,” said Merkel. “Merchants has always been committed to delivering top-tier service and innovative solutions, and I’m excited to continue that tradition by supporting our clients’ success and helping them navigate the road ahead with confidence.”
Since joining Merchants in 2018, he has been recognized for his strategic mindset, client-first approach, and understanding of fleet needs—qualities that have made him instrumental in driving the company’s continued expansion across diverse industry sectors.
Goodyear names Boucharlat to lead global commercial business
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company recently named Grégory Boucharlat SVP, global commercial. In this new role, Grégory will join the company's senior leadership team, with responsibility for the global coordination of the company's commercial tire business. Boucharlat will continue to lead Goodyear's tires-as-a-service organization as part of the company's commercial operations. He will report directly to Mark Stewart, Goodyear CEO and president.
Since joining Goodyear more than 30 years ago, Boucharlat has been a key contributor to Goodyear's EMEA commercial tire business, beginning in truck tire sales and holding leadership roles of increasing responsibility during his tenure, including VP, commercial EU. Grégory expanded his scope by working globally, gaining knowledge of Goodyear's commercial business beyond Europe in his most recent role as VP, TaaS.
"Grégory brings to this new role proven abilities to drive innovation in our business and expand his leadership responsibility,” said Stewart. “He is well-positioned to have a fast start and ensure a seamless transition for our Commercial business. I have enormous confidence in his ability to lead our Commercial business on a global scale as our next step in creating a unified and aligned global company.”
