Story: RALPH MORTON

Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles has a new managing director – it’s Michael Kamper.

Michael has worked previously at Mercedes-Benz in the commercial vehicles marketing department from 2001-2004, and he’s described by MB insiders as ‘warm, friendly and a people’s person’.

The appointment commences in July when Michael, 46, joins the business from Daimler Trucks’ International Key Account Management where he is currently the team leader, as well as international account management with commercial vehicle body builders.

The new appointment is important for Mercedes. For the first time ever the three-pointed star will have a small van – the new Citan – which launches in the autumn.

Since the retirement of former Commercial Vehicles boss Ian Jones some nine months ago, Sam Whittaker, truck sales and marketing director, has been caretaking the MD role.

Now Sam, along with Steve Bridge, van sales and marketing director, will report into new Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles managing director Michael Kamper.

For more business van news on the Mercedes Citan small van, read our special report by industry correspondent John Griffiths The new Mercedes-Benz Citan – and why it’s destined to be a big hit.