Latest news with #AdamChamberlain
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mercedes-Benz just poached a top exec from Fortune 500 dealer group Lithia to run the brand's U.S. sales operations
Adam Chamberlain, the chief of operations for automotive retailer Lithia & Driveway, will take over as CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA from July. The German premium brand is in the process of reshuffling its leadership team in key markets following the recent appointment of new global sales boss Mathias Geisen. Mercedes-Benz is poaching the chief of operations of Lithia & Driveway, one of the largest U.S. automotive retailers, to run its national sales company in America. Effective July 1, Adam Chamberlain takes over from Dimitris Psillakis, current CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. He will lead MBUSA's more than 1,600 employees and over 380 dealer partners throughout the United States, reporting to Jason Hoff, the new head of the group's North American arm. The move comes as Mercedes' global sales and marketing chief Mathias Geisen reshuffles management in his division after taking the reins in March from Britta Seeger, who became head of human resources after eight years running sales. The German premium brand has fallen badly behind archival BMW of late. On a group level, they both sold 2.4 million vehicles last year, but the Mercedes brand only managed a little under 2 million without its van business compared to BMW brand's 2.2 million cars. Worse, Mercedes' all-electric vehicles have sold poorly, declining 23% to 185,059 vehicles in 2024, while BMW sold twice as many for a 12% increase. 'Adam is a proven executive with over 30 years of global automotive experience including the past nine years in the U.S.,' said Mercedes sales boss Geisen. 'He brings an exceptional blend of strategic and operational excellence in both the manufacturer and retail businesses as well as a strong connection to our team, dealers and customers.' Between 2016 and 2021, Chamberlain served at Mercedes-Benz USA as vice president of sales and product management, helping to lead the brand's retail and product strategy in the U.S. market. MBUSA is responsible for the brand's second-largest market after China, representing about 16% of overall annual volumes. Excluding its commercial transport vans, Mercedes sold over 324,500 passenger cars led by the GLE crossover built in Alabama. 'We are incredibly grateful for Adam's leadership as our Chief Operating Officer and the value he brought to Lithia & Driveway,' said Bryan DeBoer, president and CEO of the company, in a statement on Tuesday. 'His contributions have helped strengthen our operations, sharpen our offerings and customer awareness, drive growth and advance our strategy.' DeBoer said Chamberlain could also remain a valuable ally going forward as the U.S. automotive retail landscape continues to shift. In the highly fragmented car-dealer market, Lithia & Driveways is one of the largest by showrooms and vehicles sold. 'This is the beginning of a new chapter in our long-standing partnership with Mercedes-Benz,' the Lithia boss said, 'and Adam remains committed to our shared success.' One major trend affecting dealers is that automakers are experimenting with direct sales. A number of other brands, mainly startups like Rivian, are looking to follow Tesla and end restrictions that legally bar them from bypassing dealers to sell new cars to consumers. While a structurally lower margin business, owning the customer relationship offers carmakers to mine retail data more easily and facilitates the sale of upgrades and sundry over services after the actual vehicle sale. It can also bind customers more closely to the brand and improve loyalty when done well. Mercedes has carefully explored this approach in select overseas markets, but not in the United States thus far. This story was originally featured on Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mercedes-Benz Announces Leadership Transition: Adam Chamberlain to Succeed Dimitris Psillakis as CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA
Adam Chamberlain returns to Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) to lead North American Marketing and Sales, bringing years of U.S. automotive experience and fresh momentum to the brand's next chapter Dimitris Psillakis transitions into a new role as Senior Strategic Adviser until the end of 2025, after a distinguished leadership journey across global markets ATLANTA, April 15, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mercedes-Benz is announcing a leadership transition in its North American operations. Effective July 1, Adam Chamberlain will become CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) as well as Head of Marketing and Sales, Mercedes-Benz Cars North America. He will succeed Dimitris Psillakis, who will transition into the role of Senior Strategic Adviser. "We're excited to welcome Adam back to Mercedes-Benz. Adam is a proven executive with over 30 years of global automotive experience including the past nine years in the U.S. He brings an exceptional blend of strategic and operational excellence in both the manufacturer and retail businesses as well as a strong connection to our team, dealers, and customers. Working together with newly appointed CEO of Mercedes-Benz North America, Jason Hoff, Adam and his team will play a key role in navigating transformation and laying the groundwork for long-term success. At the same time, we're extremely grateful to Dimitris for his commitment and impact, and we're pleased that his insights will continue to guide our strategy in his advisory role throughout the end of the year." Mathias Geisen, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Marketing & Sales Over his 33-year career at Mercedes-Benz, Dimitris Psillakis has held leadership roles across key international markets, including Europe, South America, and Asia. Most recently, he has been a driving force behind Mercedes-Benz's success in the U.S. and Canada. Since taking on the role of Head of Sales for North America in late 2020, Psillakis has worked closely with dealer partners to successfully navigate a challenging market environment shaped by supply chain instability and an accelerating pace of industry and technological change. He played a pivotal role in charting a clear and transformational path forward for the company—leading efforts to modernize the customer experience through digitalization and advancing the company's electrification strategy with the introduction of new all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to the North American portfolio. In his upcoming role as Senior Strategic Adviser, Psillakis will continue to support key strategic initiatives until the end of this year and work closely with the leadership team to ensure a seamless transition. Adam Chamberlain rejoins Mercedes-Benz with extensive leadership experience across the automotive value chain. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at one of North America's largest dealership groups, Lithia & Driveway, where he was responsible for the operational performance of over 300 dealerships across the U.S., overseeing more than $30 billion in revenue. Prior to that, he was President of Aston Martin The Americas. From 2016 to 2021, Chamberlain served at Mercedes-Benz USA as Vice President of Sales and Product Management, helping to lead the brand's retail and product strategy in the dynamic U.S. market. With more than 30 years of global experience in the industry, Chamberlain is known for his collaborative leadership style and ability to drive performance. He will lead MBUSA's more than 1,600 employees and more than 380 dealer partners throughout the U.S. as well as an additional 200 employees and 59 dealers in Canada. Chamberlain lives in Atlanta with his family. This leadership change reflects Mercedes-Benz's continued commitment to innovation, customer excellence, and long-term growth in the USA. With Chamberlain at the helm and a dedicated, highly skilled MBUSA team, the company is well-positioned for the road ahead. About Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse lineup in the luxury segment with 18 model lines ranging from the sporty GLA SUV to the flagship S-Class and the dynamic all-electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at and To learn more about all Mercedes-Benz entities in North America, visit Accredited journalists can visit our media site at View source version on Contacts Corporate Communications Teamcorporatecommunicationsmbusa@
