Mercedes-Benz said it will see a series of senior management changes over the coming months, including the departure of its head of electrified powertrain systems, as the German carmaker continues to adjust leadership roles below the group executive board.
Torsten Eder, head of electrified powertrain systems, will leave the company on May 1, 2026, at his own request, Mercedes-Benz said. Eder has overseen electric drive development since mid-2023. The company did not disclose the reasons for his departure or his next career step.
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A succession plan is already in place, with Jörg Bartels, currently president and chief executive of Beijing Benz Automotive (BBAC), Mercedes-Benz’s joint venture with Beijing Automotive Group, set to take over responsibility for electrified powertrain development. Jens Bühler, currently head of production in Kecskemét and manufacturing operations in Hungary, will succeed Bartels at BBAC.
Further changes are planned within research and development. Rosa Maria Conde Diez, now head of corporate research, sustainability and R&D functions, will assume responsibility for body and safety from Jan. 1, 2026, replacing Thomas Hellmuth, who will leave the company at the end of December at his own request. Ida Wolf, currently head of chief of staff and corporate office, will take over Conde Diez’s current role from Feb. 1, 2026.
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Mercedes-Benz also announced changes in procurement leadership. Yanni von Roy-Jiang will assume responsibility for procurement and supplier quality from Jan. 1, 2026, succeeding Gunnar Güthenke. The company said both executives will jointly manage the transition until February 2026, with further details on Güthenke’s future role to be communicated later.
In one of the most prominent changes, long-serving chief designer Gorden Wagener will step down at the end of January 2026, also at his own request. Wagener has led Mercedes-Benz design since the late 1990s and was responsible for styling across multiple generations of models, including the EQ electric lineup. Bastian Baudy, currently head of AMG design, will take over the role from Feb. 1, 2026.
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Mercedes-Benz chief executive Ola Källenius said the appointments would help sharpen the company’s strategic focus. “I look forward to working with the top executives who are now assuming new responsibilities in key positions at Mercedes-Benz,” Källenius said. “At the same time, strong personalities at Mercedes-Benz are taking new paths – leaders who have shaped the company and its products over many years.”
He added: “On behalf of the entire Board of Management, I would like to thank Gorden Wagener, Torsten Eder and Thomas Hellmuth for their outstanding contributions, their commitment and their loyalty to Mercedes-Benz.”