Mercedes-Benz Canada announces appointment of Corporate and Toronto Retail Head of Sales
Mercedes-Benz Canada is pleased to share the details of an internal reorganization which includes a rotation of executive management functions in the company's corporate and retail sales divisions. As a global company, Mercedes-Benz prides itself on having highly experienced managers that are ready to live and operate in all parts of the world; these individuals invariably bring new ideas, proven processes and best practices to their adoptive markets.
This latest round of changes will see Gavin Allen, who joined Mercedes-Benz Canada from Mercedes-Benz Australia in 2013, now returning home to Melbourne. After successfully leading the Marketing and Product Management teams for three years in the capacity of Vice President, Gavin stepped into the role of Vice President, National Sales in 2016.
In October 2014, Philipp von Witzendorff left his Daimler after-sales management position in Germany to take the helm of the Toronto Retail Group (TRG), which comprises the seven Mercedes-Benz-owned dealerships in the Greater Toronto Area. Under his leadership, TRG has shattered sales targets and set the pace in CEI development. Philipp will now have the opportunity to bring his focus and winning spirit to the national stage as he takes over Gavin's responsibilities as Vice President, National Sales.
Succeeding Philipp as Vice President, TRG, Mercedes-Benz Canada is happy to repatriate Canadian expat Robert Müller. Robert originally joined Mercedes-Benz Canada in 2006 as Service Manager at the newly-built Maple dealership. He then took on the responsibility of national strategic retail development and also established the Roadmap 2015 initiative. Robert relocated to MBUK in 2012 as Network Operations Director. Starting in 2015, he was tasked with establishing and steering a European-wide Own Retail organization for Region Europe which took him first to Stuttgart and then eventually back to London.
All new positions will be effective January 1, 2018. The timing of Gavin's official departure in mid-March will provide an ideal transition and knowledge-sharing period for both Philipp and Robert.
Brian D. Fulton, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada, said, "At the end of his five-year journey here, Gavin leaves a tangible and enduring legacy at Mercedes-Benz Canada. I am extremely grateful for his invaluable contribution during his tenure in Canada in two of the most critical roles in our organization. We wish him all the best upon his return to Australia and will now – more than ever – monitor our two very similar markets' performances every month!"
Brian added, "As we say a fond farewell to Gavin, we are happy to welcome Robert back home after a five-year absence. I am personally looking forward to working with Philipp and Robert in their respective new roles. Both have a great deal of experience and inherently understand the Canadian sales landscape. Driven by our proven success in the market, both gentlemen will ensure that we continue to maintain, for the upcoming year, the strong momentum we generated throughout the course of 2017."
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About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG passenger vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,500 people in 21 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 11 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 48 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 48,320 vehicles in 2016. This represents the best year ever for the company and has positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the third consecutive year.
For more information, please contact:
JoAnne Caza 416-847-7550 joanne.caza@mercedes-benz.ca
Sinead Brown 416-847-7588 sinead.brown@mercedes-benz.ca
Further information from Mercedes-Benz Canada is available at www.media.mercedes-benz.ca.
