Currently reading: Joachim Schmidt retires from Mercedes-Benz
Ola Källenius, currently head of AMG, to replace Schmidt as the executive vice president of sales and marketing at Mercedes

Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars, has retired following more than 34 years of service.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of management of Daimler and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said “Joachim Schmidt understands and embodies Mercedes-Benz like almost no-one else.

"Under his leadership, the brand has conquered many new regions and delighted its customers with its traditional strengths. He has reconfigured sales and marketing and laid the groundwork for bringing Mercedes-Benz into a new era.”

After joining Mercedes-Benz in 1979, Schmidt initially worked in passenger car development. He then served in various sales and marketing-related positions for over 20 years, and has been a member of the board of management since October 2009.

Schmidt will formally transfer his duties to Ola Källenius, currently head of AMG, on 1 October.

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iamnotbritishan... 6 September 2013

Dark Isle, i think it's a

Dark Isle,
i think it's a direction that Merc UK seems to be taking. you can still buy A class, C class, E class and CLS on softer springs and smaller rims in other parts of the world

TS7 6 September 2013

One wonders...

...if Dr. Schmidt was one of the pro-F1 board members, and whether Herr Källenius is of like mind.

Londonist 6 September 2013

Don't panic

I doubt the difference will even be noticeable. People like to think individuals influence giant corporations but most of the time they look like sailors trying to steer an iceberg.