New chair for Mercedes-Benz SA as Joachim Schmidt retires

Dr Joachim Schmidt, chair of the board of directors of Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA), will retire from his role effective 31 December 2022.

Schmidt, who served in the position for nine years, joined the Mercedes-Benz Group AG (formerly Daimler AG) in 1979.

He initially worked in passenger car development, according to MBSA, and thereafter spent over 20 years in various sales and marketing management roles.

Dr Joachim Schmidt. Image: Supplied

MBSA announced that Wilfried Porth, who was a member of the board of management at Mercedes-Benz from 2009 to 2021, will take over Schmidt’s role as chair, effective from 1 January 2023.

Porth has 36 years of international working experience across various regions and countries, including Europe, South America, South Africa and Japan, with expertise in production, research and development, sales and human resources.

His previous roles include head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, executive vice president of Mercedes-Benz Transporter and CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation.

“The appointment of Mr Wilfried Porth affirms our commitment to ensuring that our business practices and way of operating are in line with our philosophy of corporate governance,” notes MBSA CEO Andreas Brand.

“His outstanding experience will support MBSA’s continued efforts to deliver on our business sustainability strategy,” it adds.

“We look forward to working together with Mr Wilfried Porth and to continue with the legacy left by Dr Schmidt.”

Porth says he is honoured by the opportunity to serve as the subsidiary’s chair. “I am thankful to my predecessor Dr Schmidt for steering the way and for laying a solid foundation. I am delighted about the journey ahead,” he adds.

“On behalf of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, we would like to thank Dr Schmidt for his leadership in the last nine years.”

Nondumiso Lehutso is a Moneyweb intern.