Daimler Trucks has announced it has appointed its current head of the Mercedes-Benz truck operation, Karin Rådström as the new chief executive officer of the company effective from 1st October this year, replacing the long time incumbent, Martin Daum.
The board of Daimler in announcing Rådström as the new CEO said that her appointment would be until 31 January 2029.
The statement said Rådström will succeed Daum on 1 October and that he will simultaneously resign as CEO , which they say will paving the way for the next chapter of the company’s transformation.
Daum will remain on as full member of the board until 31 December, to support a smooth handover.
Joe Kaeser , the chairman of the supervisory board of Daimler Truck, thanked Martin Daum for his outstanding achievements and commitment in his nearly four decades long career at Daimler.
“Personally, and on behalf of the entire supervisory board, I would like to thank Martin for his commitment and outstanding results,” Kaeser said.
“He has been leading Daimler Truck’s transition from a conglomerate division into a successful DAX-listed company in a convincing manner,” he added.
“He led the company through one of its most eventful times in recent history and has been the key architect of Daimler Truck’s economic success and international reputation.
“ His dedication to the company, its customers and employees is remarkable, and he is a ‘trucker’ with heart and soul, who hands over a successful company which is well prepared for the challenges ahead,” Kaeser concluded.
Martin Daum started his career at Daimler-Benz AG in 1987, and was instrumental in shaping Daimler Truck’s global success.
As CEO of Daimler Trucks North America, he played a key role in growing the local business and helping to take Freightliner to the top of the North American truck sales charts. As a result of the work that Daum and his team did at Daimler Trucks North America, it is today one of the powerhouse markets for the company, with the purchase and integration of Freightliner, Western Star and Detroit Diesel making it the number one truck seller in the USA.
According to the statement from Daimler, since assuming the role as a member of the board of management of the former Daimler AG for Trucks and Buses in 2017, Daum and his leadership team have also significantly increased revenues while strongly enhancing margins, which it says has provided greater flexibility for future investments.
It goes on to say that under Daum’s leadership, Daimler Truck has spearheaded the technological transformation with both battery electric and hydrogen-based drivetrains.
Karin Rådström, joined Daimler Truck’s board of management in 2021 and since then has been responsible for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and according to the statement about her appointment, within a short period of time, the trained engineer has successfully reshaped the segment profitability and advanced its transformation towards sustainability.
Daimler said that Rådström has introduced a range of new battery electric trucks, with foresight and entrepreneurial spirit, while driving customer focus together with her team, which it says led to an enhanced service offering and an increased customer satisfaction.
Before joining Daimler Truck, Rådström oversaw sales and marketing as a member of the executive board at Swedish rival Scania, where she also previously held the position of senior vice president as head of buses and coaches.
Joe Kaeser said the company was delighted to win Karin Rådström with her outstanding industry knowledge and leadership skills as the new CEO of Daimler Truck.
“She has proven that she is able to successfully advance the transformation of a brand while navigating a challenging external environment,” Kaeser said.
“As a true leader, Karin Rådström has been instrumental in establishing a new performance culture and fostering empowerment, diversity and customer focus and these principles are essential for Daimler Truck to master the transformation of mobility successfully and be our customers’ first choice,” he said.
“We wish her and her team great success and we are very much looking forward to continuing our collaboration,” he added.
The vice chairman of the supervisory board and chairman of the general works council, Michael Brecht said that as labour representatives they have worked well and trustfully
with Karin Radström in recent years.
“It is important to us that Daimler Truck under her leadership remains a successful and future-proof company, and the interests of employees and shareholders must be taken into account equally,” Brecht said.
“This is a prerequisite for secure and good jobs and our explicit thanks and greatest respect go to Martin Daum, who has successfully positioned Daimler Truck globally with great care,” he added.
“He has achieved outstanding accomplishments, led Daimler Truck to independence and always listened to the interests of the workforce,” Brecht concluded
Rådström will remain responsible for Mercedes-Benz Trucks for the time being , until a successor can be selected to replace her.
