@MercedesBenzME New Mercedes-Benz Sales & Marketing Director to drive 2020 Growth Strategy in Middle East

Dedicated to driving the momentum of Mercedes-Benz’ successful 2020 sales and marketing growth strategy in the region to date, Dirk Fetzer will take the wheel as Director Sales and Marketing at Daimler Middle East & Levant, succeeding Frank Bernthaler who has moved to pursue the same strategic objective for the Austrian market.

Effective 1 November 2013, Fetzer will hit the road in his new role with the regional launch of two exciting Mercedes-Benz cars and a regional first at the Dubai International Motor Show 2013. No stranger to the regional market, after joining Daimler in 1996 Fetzer’s first assignment led him to the Middle East in 1999, working three years as Assistant Sales Manager within the Passenger Cars department of the Daimler Regional Office in Dubai.

In 2003 Fetzer returned to Stuttgart to take a management position in the Sales & Marketing area of Mercedes-Benz as Product Manager for M-Class and GL SUVs. Thereafter, Fetzer was appointed Chief of Staff to the Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales and Marketing, and was promoted to Senior Manager in 2009 with responsibility for Business Management and Controlling of the Mercedes-Benz Global Own Retail organization and Investment planning for the international Sales Organisation.

Commenting on Fetzer’s appointment, Mike Belk, President & CEO, Daimler Middle East & Levant, said: “Dirk brings a wealth of experience and understanding of the automotive business in Middle East and will be a great asset to the company. With his passion for cars, as well as his broad experience in sales, marketing and retail, we are sure that he will provide valuable guidance and continue to implement the regional 2020 Growth Strategy with passion and drive, building on the excellent foundations laid by Frank Bernthaler.”

Since his arrival in January 2008, Bernthaler has overseen three best ever regional sales years in 2008, 2011 and 2012, the recent launch of a refreshed new SUV model line-up to widen luxury off-roader market share, and the entry into a youthful new customer base with launch of the A 250 Sport in early 2013.