Mercedes-Benz announced that Jörg Burzer will assume responsibility for the Development & Purchasing division and the role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) on December 1, 2025, succeeding Markus Schäfer, who is retiring after more than three decades at the company.
Burzer, currently Head of Production, Quality & Supply Chain Management, will be succeeded by Michael Schiebe, chairman of Mercedes-AMG and head of the Top End Vehicle (TEV) Group, in his current position. The company said the appointments align with its strategy of maintaining “experience and continuity in top management while providing fresh impetus and a deliberate rejuvenation on the Board of Management.”
Markus Schäfer, who has led Development & Purchasing since May 2019 and served as CTO since December 2021, was credited with advancing Mercedes-Benz’s electrification strategy and integrating digital systems into the portfolio. Supervisory Board Chairman Martin Brudermüller said: “With Markus Schäfer we say farewell to a highly esteemed colleague, who commands the highest respect both internally and externally. The current product offensive clearly bears his signature.”
Brudermüller added that Burzer and Schiebe “are taking over key divisions that are of decisive importance for the future success of Mercedes-Benz Group,” noting Burzer’s track record in driving innovation, flexibility, and efficiency across the company’s global production network.
Jörg Burzer joined DaimlerChrysler in 1999 and has held multiple international management roles, becoming a member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG in 2019 and of the Mercedes-Benz Group in 2021. Michael Schiebe has been with the company since 2004, holding senior positions including CEO of Mercedes-Benz Luxembourg and Head of Sales for Mercedes-Benz Cars in Germany, before assuming leadership roles at Mercedes-AMG and the TEV Group.
Mercedes said the leadership changes reflect its focus on “agile, efficient and innovative vehicle development” closely integrated with production, as the company navigates dynamic market challenges and the ongoing transition toward electrification.