Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) will, in March, welcome its first South Africa-born CEO since the company became a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler.

Arno van der Merwe will take over the reins at the local arm of the German auto giant when current CEO Dr Martin Zimmermann returns to Daimler’s Stuttgart offices as head of global service and parts for the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands.

Van der Merwe will retain his current role as manufacturing VP at the MBSA production plant, in addition to his responsibilities as CEO of the company.

He will join a growing club of South African CEOs of local manufacturing operations within multinational car companies, namely Mike Whitfield, of Nissan South Africa, Dr Johan van Zyl, of Toyota Motors South Africa, and Dave Powels, of Volkswagen Group South Africa.

Daimler has also announced changes to the MBSA board of directors.

Prof-Dr Jürgen Schrempp has resigned from the MBSA board of directors, having served the company in various roles since 1974. He will be replaced as chairperson by Dr Joachim Schmidt from January.

Schmidt is no stranger to South Africa, having served MBSA as a member of the board, while heading up Daimler’s global sales organisation.

“We thank Dr Zimmermann for his tireless efforts during his tenure at MBSA, setting the company up in a new strategic direction with an exceptional growth trajectory,” notes Schmidt.

“We are also confident that Mr Van der Merwe’s strong track record of leadership and performance will further enhance the management team and the company’s goals for the future.

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I am proud of Arno taking over from me,” adds Zimmermann.

“He has been groomed systematically during the past years to take over this senior leadership role, and his experience, passion, dedication and people-orientated leadership style will allow MBSA to continue its drive towards becoming the undisputed leader in all segments where it competes, as well as to remain a passionate contributor to the socio- economic development and transformation of South Africa.”

MBSA late last year announced the appointment of Naeem Hassim as co-CEO of its retail arm, Sandown Motor Holdings, effective from January.

Hassim will lead Sandown jointly with its current CEO, Roy McAllister, until taking over from McAllister in January 2015.