Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) has announced the appointment of Maretha Gerber as its new President and Group CEO, effective April 1, 2024. This marks a significant moment in history as Maretha becomes the first woman to assume this leadership role at DTSA.
Born and raised in South Africa, Maretha Gerber brings over two decades of invaluable experience within the Daimler organization to her new position. Her journey includes roles in Daimler Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz South Africa, with expertise spanning sales, marketing, and dealer network management. Most recently, she held the position of Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and FUSO Trucks.
The transition comes as the current President and Group CEO, Michael Dietz, embarks on a new challenge as the President and CEO of the Regional Centre Middle East and Africa. Acknowledging Dietz’s contributions, Andreas von Wallfeld, Head of Daimler Truck Overseas, expressed satisfaction in securing Michael for the new role and extended warm wishes to both appointees.
“We are delighted to welcome Maretha Gerber as the new President and Group CEO for DTSA and the second female on the Daimler Truck Overseas ExCom team. With her vast experience and excellent client rapport, we cannot think of anyone better for this position. Likewise, with his extensive knowledge and broad experience, we are pleased to have won Michael for the Regional Centre Middle East and Africa. We wish both Maretha and Michael all the best in their new roles,” said von Wallfeld.
Maretha Gerber, expressing her gratitude, said, “I am honoured to be given this opportunity in the role of President and Group CEO of Daimler Truck Southern Africa. I am excited to work with the experienced leadership team and talented employees at DTSA and to lead the group of companies to new heights. Together with our dealers and general distributors, we look forward to contributing to further growth and success and to build a brighter future for all stakeholders.”
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In response, Michael Dietz conveyed his congratulations to Maretha, expressing confidence in her capabilities and leaving DTSA in “very capable hands.” He thanked customers, the DTSA network, and the group of companies’ employees for an incredible four years, highlighting the success achieved during his tenure.
Maretha Gerber’s successor will be announced in due course, as DTSA anticipates a seamless transition under her leadership.
About Maretha Gerber
Maretha Gerber holds a degree in marketing and has more than twenty years’ experience within the Daimler organization, including previously Daimler Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz South Africa. She held various management roles across sales, marketing, and dealer network in these companies before moving to a Dealer Principal role in the Mercedes-Benz dealer network in Own Retail. In 2018 she moved back into Head Quarters as the Head of MercedesBenz Trucks and subsequently became the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Trucks and FUSO Trucks, the position she currently holds.
About Michael Dietz
After completing his studies, Michael Dietz joined the Daimler company in 1990 as sales executive. After numerous roles in sales, he was appointed as the Head of Key Account Management: Mercedes-Benz Trucks Germany in 2002. Two years later, in 2004, he took over as Director Government Business, Diplomats & Special Vehicles. In 2011 he was appointed the Global Head of Sales, Marketing & Services, Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and thereafter Global Head of Marketing Mercedes-Benz Trucks in 2015. Michael joined DTSA in January 2020 in his current capacity
