The automotive industry is undergoing a period of significant transformation, and Mercedes-Benz is strategically positioning itself for continued success in the North American market. In a move that underscores this commitment, Daimler AG has appointed Dimitris Psillakis as the Head of Marketing and Sales for Mercedes-Benz Cars North America and, crucially, as the Ceo Of Benz for MBUSA, effective January 1, 2021. This announcement, made by Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, highlights Psillakis’s proven leadership and global experience as key assets for navigating this evolving landscape. Psillakis will report directly to Seeger and will be based in Atlanta, Georgia, the headquarters of Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA).
This strategic appointment sees Psillakis succeeding Nicholas Speeks, a veteran who is departing Daimler after an impressive 40-year tenure to explore opportunities outside the company. Seeger acknowledged Speeks’s substantial contributions, stating, “I would also like to thank Nick Speeks for his outstanding commitment and engagement around the globe over the past decades, and wish him all the best for the future.” The transition marks a new chapter for Mercedes-Benz in North America, with Psillakis at the helm as the CEO of Benz, poised to leverage his expertise to further strengthen the brand’s presence.
As the newly appointed CEO of Benz, Psillakis assumes comprehensive responsibility for Mercedes-Benz Cars across both the United States and Canada. His leadership will encompass MBUSA’s extensive operations, managing over 1,600 employees and collaborating with more than 380 dealer partners throughout the U.S. Furthermore, his purview extends to Canada, where he will oversee an additional 1,200 employees and nearly 60 authorized dealers. For the remainder of the year, Psillakis will concurrently continue his role as President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada, ensuring a smooth handover and consistent leadership during this transitional period. The announcement of his successor in Canada is expected at a later date. In the interim, Drew J. Slaven, MBUSA’s VP of Marketing, will maintain his role as acting Head of Marketing and Sales, Mercedes-Benz Cars North America and CEO of Benz for MBUSA, until Psillakis fully assumes his new responsibilities.
Psillakis brings a wealth of experience to his new role as CEO of Benz. His journey with Daimler AG commenced in 1992 as a management trainee at Mercedes-Benz Hellas (MBH) in Greece. Demonstrating consistent growth and leadership potential, he progressively advanced through the ranks of the Greek subsidiary, ultimately achieving the position of General Manager of Passenger Cars in 2001. His career trajectory reflects a global perspective, with significant international assignments that have honed his expertise in diverse markets.
In 2009, Psillakis transitioned to Mercedes-Benz do Brasil Ltda, taking on the role of Managing Director for Passenger Cars in South America and Vans Sales Brazil. His tenure in Brazil was marked by remarkable success, as his team orchestrated a tripling of sales volume, propelling Mercedes-Benz to the coveted number one position in the Brazilian market. This achievement underscores his ability to drive growth and market leadership in competitive environments.
Continuing his ascent within the company, Psillakis joined Mercedes-Benz Korea (MBK) in 2015 as President and CEO. Under his guidance, Mercedes-Benz Korea experienced exceptional expansion, transforming the South Korean market into the 5th largest globally for Mercedes-Benz Cars. Moreover, his leadership in Korea was characterized by a strong focus on customer satisfaction, resulting in top-tier ratings in this crucial area. This track record of success in diverse international markets positions him ideally to lead Mercedes-Benz North America as its CEO of Benz.
Dimitris Psillakis’s appointment as CEO of Benz for Mercedes-Benz USA signals a strategic move to leverage his extensive international experience and proven leadership in the dynamic North American automotive market. His background, characterized by driving sales growth and enhancing customer satisfaction in key global markets, aligns perfectly with Mercedes-Benz’s ambitions for continued success and innovation. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Psillakis’s leadership as CEO of Benz is expected to be instrumental in steering Mercedes-Benz North America towards a future of sustained growth and market leadership.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is responsible for the distribution, marketing, and customer service of all Mercedes-Benz products within the United States. MBUSA offers a comprehensive and diverse luxury vehicle lineup, encompassing 15 model lines ranging from the A-Class sedan to the flagship S-Class and the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GT R. MBUSA also manages the distribution of Mercedes-Benz Vans products in the U.S. For further information about MBUSA and its product offerings, please visit www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com. For accredited journalists, access to media resources is available at www.media.mbusa.com.
