Mercedes Reshuffles Leadership, Names New Technology and Production Chiefs

Mercedes-Benz has announced changes to its top management as the German automaker pursues cost efficiencies and a younger board. The company confirmed on Wednesday that Joerg Burzer, currently head of production, will succeed Markus Schaefer as Chief Technology Officer. 

Burzer, 55, will take on responsibility for development and procurement alongside the CTO role starting in December. The company stated the appointments are part of a strategy pursuing “fresh impetus and a targeted rejuvenation of the board.” 

Schaefer, who oversaw the company's shift from traditional combustion-engine cars to electric models, will leave the company after 30 years. 

In addition to Burzer’s promotion, Michael Schiebe, 42, will join the management board as the new head of production. Schiebe is currently the head of Mercedes-AMG, the company’s high-performance division. 

“With Joerg Burzer and Michael Schiebe, two outstanding managers from our own ranks are taking over key departments that are of decisive importance for the future success of the Mercedes-Benz Group,” said supervisory board head Martin Brudermueller. 

The changes come as Mercedes and its peers grapple with slowing electric-vehicle demand, intensifying competition in China, and a broader push to cut costs amid the strategic pivot away from combustion engines. 

Summary:

Mercedes-Benz has named Joerg Burzer as its new CTO and Michael Schiebe as production chief, part of a board reshuffle aimed at cost efficiency and rejuvenation. The changes highlight the automaker’s strategy to navigate slowing EV demand, intensifying global competition, and the industry’s ongoing shift away from traditional engines.

FAQs: Mercedes-Benz Leadership Reshuffle

1. Who is the new Chief Technology Officer of Mercedes-Benz?

Joerg Burzer, previously head of production, has been appointed as Mercedes-Benz’s new CTO. He will also oversee development and procurement starting December.

2. Who is leaving Mercedes-Benz as part of this reshuffle?

Markus Schaefer, who led the company’s transition from combustion engines to electric vehicles, is stepping down after 30 years with Mercedes-Benz.

3. Who is the new head of production at Mercedes-Benz?

Michael Schiebe, 42, currently head of Mercedes-AMG, the company’s high-performance division, has been appointed to the management board as the new head of production.

4. Why is Mercedes-Benz reshuffling its leadership?

The company is pursuing cost efficiencies and rejuvenation of its board. The appointments are aimed at bringing fresh impetus to decision-making and strengthening strategic focus on electric mobility and production efficiency.

5. How do these leadership changes affect Mercedes-Benz’s EV strategy?

While Schaefer played a key role in the company’s shift to electric vehicles, Burzer’s appointment signals continuity in development and procurement, with a focus on navigating slowing EV demand and global competition.

6. What challenges is Mercedes-Benz currently facing?

The automaker, like many of its peers, is dealing with slower EV demand, growing competition in China, and broader cost pressures as the industry transitions away from combustion engines.

7. What is the industry significance of these changes?

The reshuffle highlights Mercedes-Benz’s strategy to strengthen internal talent, optimize operations, and remain competitive amid a rapidly evolving automotive market focused on electric mobility.

8. When will Joerg Burzer officially assume the CTO role?

Burzer will take on the CTO role starting in December, alongside his responsibilities for development and procurement.