Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) has announced that co-CEO and Mercedes-Benz Cars executive director Johannes Fritz will be moving back to Germany to head up Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans in Bavaria, one of the largest sales regions in the German market.
“Fritz, who spent four years in South Africa, believes firmly that the brand’s biggest differentiators in a highly competitive market is an innovative retail experience, an unwavering focus on customer care and a strong partnership with its agent partners,” says MBSA.
Fritz will be succeeded by Mark Raine, who is currently product and marketing VP at Mercedes-Benz Cars in Korea.
Raine, who grew up in Pretoria, joined Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart in 2002.
“Raine has played a key role in driving the company’s digital transformation and further enhancing its brand value in the Korean market, while working to reduce complexity and improve the product portfolio,” notes MBSA.
Raine previously worked in the company’s Middle East operation, before heading up marketing and sales for Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia.
One of Raine’s main strategic objectives will be the introduction of the Mercedes-EQ electric vehicle range into the South African market from the first quarter of next year.
“To further drive the future-orientated transformation, essential strategic imperatives also include the pursuit of sustainable sales growth by enhancing the digital ecommerce journey of Mercedes-Benz and its retail partners,” says MBSA.