Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Appoints New President And CEO

VANCE, AL — Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) on Tuesday announced that Federico Kochlowski has been named president and Chief Executive Officer, replacing Michael Goebel, who is transitioning to a new strategic role for the company's production in North America.

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“Since arriving at MBUSI I have been struck by the commitment of this workforce. Not only to building quality vehicles, but to one another,” Kochlowski said. “Our Alabama Team Members have a reputation for doing things differently. As CEO, I look forward to embracing those differences and helping our Team Members continue to build the kind of company and culture they’re proud to be a part of.”

MBUSI says Kochlowski has served in multiple manufacturing leadership roles in the US, China, and Mexico. He started his role as vice president of operations in 2023.

“I want to thank Michael for his commitment over the past five years,” said Jörg Burzer, head of Production, Quality & Supply Chain Management for Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “When he took on this role, none of us could have imagined what was in store. He signed up to guide us through our transition to electric vehicles and ended up navigating through a global pandemic, as well. His steadfast leadership helped build a stronger MBUSI.”

The leadership change also comes on the eve of a landmark vote for employees at the Vance plant to unionize with United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW).

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