Mercedes-Benz Trucks has announced some significant changes in its senior management team at its global HQ in Germany.
The company announced that Dennis Kinzelmann will take over as head of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and Custom Tailored Trucks effective from the start of this month, succeeding Franziska Cusumano, who has been announced as the new CEO of Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation in Japan, starting on the 1st April.
Kinzelmann will be responsible in his new position, for the development, production, and sales of the Mercedes-Benz model series Unimog, Econic, and Zetros at Wörth in Germany, while he will also be in charge of Daimler Truck’s global defence business, as well as its tailored customer conversions business based at Molsheim in Alsace.
The company said that Kinzelmann will report directly to the CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, due to the strategic importance of the defence business for Daimler Truck,
Kinzelmann began his career in 2003 as a purchaser for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and since 2008, he has held various leadership positions in product strategy and management, compliance, procurement, and development.
The company said that Kinzelmann combines decades of corporate experience with a strong market and product focus to successfully drive the growth of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, particularly in the defence segment.
Daimler Truck said that against the backdrop of changing security policy conditions, the move underscored its commitment to contributing to the operational readiness of its customers in the defence sector through its products and is making targeted investments in the further development of its product portfolio, the expansion of new capabilities, and the utilisation of industrial production and scaling expertise.
The CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Achim Puchert, said Dennis Kinzelmann brings nearly 20 years of experience in various leadership roles within the automotive industry.
“As a passionate and forward-thinking leader, Dennis has demonstrated how to drive innovation, master complex challenges, build sustainable partnerships, and lead teams to peak performance,” said Puchert.
“I am confident that Dennis will continue the success story of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and strategically advance our focus on the defence business. Given the strategic importance of this segment, and he will report directly to me.
“I wish him every success in his new role,” he added.
Puchert said that on behalf of the entire Board, he wanted to thank Franziska Cusumano for her outstanding commitment and the significant contributions she has made to Daimler Truck over the past years.
“Under her leadership, our defence business achieved a remarkable comeback: key industry partnerships were established, and major tenders were won – an excellent foundation for sustainable growth, on which Dennis and his team will build to further scale the business,” said Puchert.
