Mercedes-Benz has recently announced the appointment of Thomas Klein as the new head of its van business. Klein, who has been with the company since 1999, will succeed Mathias Geisen in this role. Currently serving as the vice president of sales planning and product management of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Integrated Production Program in Stuttgart, Klein brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new position.
Starting his career at the former DaimlerChrysler, Klein has held various positions within Mercedes-Benz, including roles in sales and retail in Germany and South Africa. He has also led cross-functional sales for the region overseas, overseeing strategic and operational sales across nearly 180 markets. In 2019, Klein took on the role of president and CEO of sales & marketing in Dubai, managing the Mercedes-Benz cars general distributor office in the Middle East, before moving on to lead Mercedes-Benz Korea in 2021.
Ola Källenius, the chairman of the board of management at Mercedes-Benz, praised Klein’s contributions to the company over the years, highlighting his international experience and leadership qualities. Källenius described Klein as a strong leader, skilled planner, and strategic doer, making him the perfect candidate to lead Mercedes-Benz Vans.
In October 2024, Mercedes-Benz Group reported a 3% decline in sales for Q3 2024, with 594,600 cars and vans sold compared to the same period in 2023. Despite the challenging environment, Mercedes-Benz passenger cars saw a quarter-on-quarter increase in sales due to improved product availability. However, softer demand in Asia and weaker demand in core markets like Germany, the US, and China impacted overall sales.
As Mercedes-Benz continues to navigate the evolving automotive landscape, Klein’s leadership will be crucial in driving the van business forward and ensuring the brand’s continued success in the market.
