Mercedes Benz South Africa announces new board chair, Joachim Schmidt retires

Mercedes Benz South Africa has announced that Dr. Joachim Schmidt is leaving the company at the end of this month.

Schmidt currently serves as chairperson of the board of directors of Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) and he will retire from his role effective 31 December 2022.

Schmidt occupied the role for nine years after joining the carmaker Mercedes-Benz Group AG (formerly Daimler AG) in 1979.

A statement further announced that Schmidt started working for the MBSA in passenger car development and later spent over two decades in various sales and marketing management roles.

MBSA announced that Wilfried Porth, who was a member of the board of management at Mercedes-Benz from 2009 to 2021, will replace Schmidt as chair – effective from 1 January 2023.

Porth boasts 36 years of international working experience across various regions and countries, including Europe, South America, South Africa, and Japan and he is an expert in production, research and development, sales, and human resources.

“The appointment of Mr. Wilfried Porth affirms our commitment to ensuring that our business practices and way of operating are in line with our philosophy of corporate governance,” notes MBSA CEO Andreas Brand.

“His outstanding experience will support MBSA’s continued efforts to deliver on our business sustainability strategy.

“We look forward to working together with Mr. Wilfried Porth and to continuing with the legacy left by Dr. Schmidt.”

After his appointment, Porth said he was delighted and honoured to serve the German carmaking company.

In his background, Porth worked in different roles including as head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, executive vice president of Mercedes-Benz Transporter, and CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation.

“I am thankful to my predecessor Dr. Schmidt for steering the way and for laying a solid foundation. I am delighted about the journey ahead,” said Porth.

“On behalf of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, we would like to thank Dr. Schmidt for his leadership in the last nine years.”