Daimler Truck Holding AG has appointed a new chief executive officer and chairman of the Board of Management: Karin Rådström will succeed Martin Daum at the top of the company, effective October 1.
The company’s Supervisory Board appointed Rådström to succeed Daum until January 31, 2029. Daum will simultaneously resign as CEO and remain a full member of the Board of Management until December 31.
Daum began his career at Daimler-Benz AG in 1987. As CEO of Daimler Trucks North America, he played a key role in growing the local business. Today, the segment North America is one of Daimler Truck’s powerhouses.
Since assuming the role as member of the Board of Management of the former Daimler AG for Trucks and Buses in 2017, Daum and his leadership team have significantly increased revenues while strongly enhancing margins.
“Personally, and on behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, I would like to thank Martin Daum for his commitment and outstanding results,” Joe Kaeser, chairman of the Supervisory Board, said. “He has been leading Daimler Truck’s transition from a conglomerate division into a successful DAX-listed company in a convincing manner. Thus, he led it through one of its most eventful times in recent history and has been the key architect of Daimler Truck’s economic success and international reputation. His dedication to the company, its customers and employees is remarkable. He is a ‘trucker’ with heart and soul. Martin Daum hands over a successful company, which is well prepared for the challenges ahead.”
Daum’s successor as CEO, Karin Rådström, joined Daimler Truck’s Board of Management in 2021. Rådström has 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 toward sustainability.
Rådström introduced a range of new battery electric trucks while driving customer focus together with her team. Before joining Daimler Truck, she oversaw sales and marketing as a member of the Executive Board at Scania. At her former employer, she previously also held the position of SVP, 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,” Kaeser said. “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.”
For the time being, Karin Rådström will remain responsible for Mercedes-Benz Trucks until her succession will be decided.
