Dietmar Exler will take over the helm of Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) as president and CEO beginning Jan. 1, 2016, the company announced. Exler will succeed MBUSA and NAFTA president and CEO Stephen Cannon. Ola Kaellenius, a member of the board of management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales, made the official announcement.“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,” Kaellenius said. Then he thanked Cannon for his leadership and contributions to the company, and he wished him all the best in his future endeavors.According to the company, Cannon will remain with MBUSA until Jan. 31, and will function as a consultant of the company up to that period.Currently, MBUSA said it holds more than 1,500 employees, add to that the 1,240 employees it has in Mexico and Canada. The company noted has 373 dealerships in its territory. Exler will assume responsibility of all their operations including the Mercedes passenger cars and smart brand.The incoming MBUSA boss is presently the vice president for sales of the company. He got his current position in January 2014.According to the company, Exler joined the then DaimlerChrysler Financial group in 2002 as a senior manager of program development but was promoted as vice president during his first year of stay. In 2010, he became the vice president of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA.
