Mercedes-Benz has announced a significant leadership change, appointing Dimitris Psillakis, a seasoned executive with a strong background originating from Mercedes-Benz Greece, as the new Head of Marketing and Sales for Mercedes-Benz Cars North America and CEO of MBUSA. Effective January 1, 2021, this strategic move signals a focus on continued growth and transformation in a crucial market for the luxury automotive brand. Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, responsible for Marketing and Sales, made the announcement, highlighting Psillakis’s proven leadership capabilities and global experience. Psillakis will report directly to Seeger and succeed Nicholas Speeks, who departs after an impressive 40-year tenure with the company. Psillakis will operate from Mercedes-Benz USA headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
Seeger expressed her confidence in Psillakis, stating, “Dimitris is a proven leader who successfully expanded the growth of Mercedes-Benz in key markets around the world. I am confident Dimitris will continue to advance our North American operations during this time of unprecedented transformation.” She also acknowledged Speeks’s extensive contributions, wishing him well in his future endeavors. Psillakis’s appointment underscores Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to strong leadership and strategic vision as they navigate the evolving automotive landscape in North America.
From Mercedes-Benz Hellas to North American Leadership
Dimitris Psillakis’s journey within Daimler AG is a testament to his dedication and expertise, beginning in Mercedes-Benz Greece, also known as Mercedes-Benz Hellas (MBH). Joining Daimler AG in 1992 as a management trainee with MBH, Psillakis demonstrated rapid growth and leadership potential within the Greek subsidiary. His ascent through the ranks culminated in his promotion to General Manager of Passenger Cars in 2001, marking a significant milestone in his early career within Mercedes-Benz Greece. This foundational experience in the Greek market provided him with invaluable insights into the automotive industry and customer preferences, shaping his global perspective.
His success at Mercedes-Benz Greece paved the way for international assignments. In 2009, Psillakis took on the role of Managing Director for Passenger Cars in South America and Vans Sales Brazil at Mercedes-Benz do Brasil Ltda. During his six-year tenure in Brazil, his leadership led to remarkable results, tripling sales volume and achieving market leadership in Brazil. This achievement showcased his ability to drive growth and market share in diverse and competitive environments.
Continuing his trajectory of success, Psillakis was appointed President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Korea (MBK) in 2015. Under his guidance, Mercedes-Benz Korea experienced exceptional growth, becoming the 5th largest market globally for Mercedes-Benz Cars. Furthermore, MBK achieved top ratings in customer satisfaction, highlighting Psillakis’s commitment to customer-centric strategies and operational excellence. His experience in Korea, following his time with Mercedes-Benz Greece and Brazil, solidified his reputation as a highly effective and globally adaptable leader within the Mercedes-Benz organization.
Leading Mercedes-Benz in the United States and Canada
In his new capacity, Dimitris Psillakis assumes comprehensive responsibility for Mercedes-Benz Cars across both the United States and Canada. He will lead a substantial workforce, overseeing more than 1,600 employees at MBUSA and over 380 dealer partners throughout the U.S., along with an additional 1,200 employees and nearly 60 authorized dealers in Canada. This broad scope of responsibility underscores the significance of the North American market for Mercedes-Benz and the trust placed in Psillakis’s leadership.
Psillakis will initially continue his duties as President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada during a transition period, ensuring a smooth handover. In the interim, MBUSA’s VP of Marketing, Drew J. Slaven, will maintain his role as acting Head of Marketing and Sales, Mercedes-Benz Cars North America and CEO of MBUSA. The announcement of Psillakis’s successor as President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada is expected at a later date.
Dimitris Psillakis’s academic background includes degrees from the University of Kent at Canterbury and The Imperial College Business School at the University of London, UK. His strong educational foundation, combined with his extensive practical experience gained from Mercedes-Benz Greece and subsequent international roles, positions him ideally to lead Mercedes-Benz North America into the future.
Mercedes-Benz USA: A Foundation of Luxury and Innovation
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, plays a vital role in the distribution, marketing, and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products within the United States. MBUSA boasts the most diverse lineup in the luxury segment, offering 15 model lines ranging from the A-Class sedan to the flagship S-Class and the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GT R. This wide-ranging portfolio caters to diverse customer preferences and solidifies Mercedes-Benz’s position as a leader in the luxury automotive market.
MBUSA also manages the Mercedes-Benz Vans business in the U.S., further expanding its reach and product offerings. More detailed information about MBUSA and its products can be accessed at www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com. For accredited journalists, the media site www.media.mbusa.com provides valuable resources and press materials. With Dimitris Psillakis at the helm, Mercedes-Benz North America is poised to continue its trajectory of innovation and market leadership, building upon a strong foundation that includes executives with roots in Mercedes-Benz Greece.
