Karin Rådström to succeed Martin Daum as CEO of Daimler Truck

Daimler Truck Holding AG has announced that Karin Rådström will take over as chief executive officer, succeeding Martin Daum, effective October 1, 2024. The appointment marks a generational shift at the top of one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers. Daum will remain with the company as a member of the Board of Management until the end of 2024 to ensure a smooth transition.

For the time being, Rådström will remain responsible for Mercedes-Benz Trucks until her succession is decided.

Karin Rådström joined Daimler Truck’s Board of Management in 2021, overseeing Mercedes-Benz Trucks. During her tenure, she successfully advanced sustainability initiatives and launched several battery-electric truck models, significantly transforming the company’s operations. Her appointment comes as Daimler Truck continues to lead the transition toward zero-emission transportation, focusing on battery-electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Daum, who began his career at Daimler-Benz in 1987, has been instrumental in expanding the company’s global reach and profitability, especially in North America. His leadership has guided Daimler Truck through key technological shifts, including the adoption of electric drivetrains.

Joe Kaeser, chairman of the Supervisory Board, praised Daum’s nearly four decades of service, stating, “Martin has led Daimler Truck through some of its most eventful years and positioned the company as a global leader in sustainable transport.”

His successor, Karin Rådström, joined Daimler Truck’s Board of Management in 2021 and since then has been responsible for Mercedes-Benz Trucks. Within a short period of time, the trained engineer has successfully reshaped the segment profitability and advanced its transformation towards sustainability. With foresight and entrepreneurial spirit, she has introduced a range of new battery electric trucks while driving customer focus together with her team, leading to an enhanced service offering and an increased customer satisfaction. Before joining Daimler Truck, she oversaw Sales & Marketing as a member of the Executive Board at Scania. At her former employer, she previously also held the position of Senior Vice President, Head of Buses & Coaches.

“We are delighted to win Karin Rådström with her outstanding industry knowledge and leadership skills as the new CEO of Daimler Truck Holding AG. She has proven that she is able to successfully advance the transformation of a brand while navigating a challenging external environment. As a true leader, Karin Rådström has been instrumental in establishing a new performance culture and fostering empowerment, diversity and customer focus. These principles are essential for Daimler Truck to master the transformation of mobility successfully and be our customers’ first choice. We wish her and her team great success and we are very much looking forward to continuing our collaboration,” said Michael Brecht, vice chairman of the Supervisory Board of Daimler Truck Holding AG and Chairman of the General Works Council.