Wolfgang Theissen will be the next manging director of Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK, succeeding Mike Belk, who will retire later this year, having served the Mercedes-Benz brand for 30 years.

Currently head of overseas sales for Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Theissen (pictured) takes up his new position on August 1.

He and Belk will work together initially, to ensure a smooth transfer of management responsibilities, said Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

Theissen began his career with Mercedes-Benz Trucks in 1991. He worked in a variety of sales and procurement positions prior to 2010, when he took the market management lead in North America.

In 2014, he was made head of Europe Region, and by the end of 2017 his responsibilities had been extended to take in all overseas markets.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks says he played a major role in implementing its ‘Customer Dedication’ strategy, shaping and promoting the development of its truck-dedicated sales organisations.

He also contributed to the brand’s strategic ‘Overseas Push’, paving the way for further growth and the consolidation of sales processes outside Europe, it said.

In a joint statement, Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ head of marketing, sales and services Andreas von Wallfeld, and head of sales Europe Jean-Marc Diss, said: “We are delighted to have appointed the internationally experienced Wolfgang to lead the team in the strategically important UK market.

“We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to Mike for his unstinting commitment to the Mercedes-Benz brand, and also to wish him the very best for the next chapter in his life.”

Belk said: “I have been fortunate to have enjoyed a successful career with one of the best companies in the world, in many different locations and functions.

“Thanks to the energy and engagement of colleagues we have made great progress in many areas of the business, and I will be proud to have drawn up the plans for the strong foundation that my successor can build on.”

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