Mercedes-Benz announces new CEO and President

Dr Claus Weidner takes over from Roland Folger, has huge shoes to fill

Every five years or so, give or take a few, the top heads of international car companies go through a rotation that sees the old boss vacates his chair for the new boss. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia finds itself in the window for change and has subsequently announced that their new leader will take over from October 2015 onwards. Dr. Claus Weidner will assume the position of President and CEO from the incumbent Roland Folger.

Dr. Weidner comes to Malaysia with over 20 years of experience. His resume includes various positions in Sales and Marketing and Corporate Strategy in Germany, Head of Sales/Marketing Passenger Cars in China and leading the entire Mercedes-Benz business in Hong Kong and Macau. His recent appointment as President and CEO of P.T. Mercedes-Benz Distribution Indonesia has seen Mercedes-Benz retain its leadership in the market with sustained positive sales volumes. The brand’s network and after-sales business also increased significantly during his watch.

Dr. Weidner will have large shoes to fill. Current CEO and President, Roland Folger, who took office back in 2011, has evolved Mercedes-Benz into the leading premium automotive brand in Malaysia. Those keeping tabs on everything Mercedes-Benz will note that the Three Pointed Star has shattered records time and time again. Folger’s tenure has seen him overlooking cross-functional cooperation, training, process optimisation and employee satisfaction. Folger has also spearheaded the ‘Employer of Choice 2014’ project and won a regional HR award to make Mercedes-Benz Malaysia one of the best companies to work for in 2014.

Roland Folger’s next appointment will be the Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd. later this year.

We in Car Magazine Malaysia would like to wish Roland Folger success in his future role. We would also like to record out heartiest welcome to Dr. Claus Weidner, wishing him all the best in his upcoming endeavour.

Chris Ng