India’s largest luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz today announced the appointment
of Martin Schwenk as the new Managing Director and CEO of its India operations effective
from 1st November, 2018. Martin Schwenk will replace Roland Folger, who will assume a
new position for Mercedes-Benz’s Thailand & Vietnam markets.
In the last three years under the leadership of Roland Folger, Mercedes-Benz India has
witnessed significant growth rates achieving the highest market share in the luxury car
segment. Roland Folger played a key role in formulating the brands growth strategy that
includes market introductions of key products like the roll-out of the E-Class Long
Wheelbase, qualitative expansion of the network footprint, and also the creation of the Vehicle Preparation Centre. In 2017, Mercedes-Benz India achieved sales history by
crossing the 15,000 annual sales number. During his tenure in India, Roland Folger has
also been instrumental in initiating an array of positive cultural changes within MercedesBenz
India and successfully driving Daimler AG’s Expedition 2020 initiative.
Roland Folger, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented, “My India
stint will remain memorable with rich experiences and fond memories. The warmth of our
customers and people, the diversity of the country’s culture, and the unique business
opportunities and challenges that this market presents, is enormous and truly enriching.
I am very satisfied about Mercedes-Benz India’s strong leadership position in the market
and our relentless efforts in creating new benchmark in customer delight. Mercedes-Benz
India is deeply committed to the Indian market and together we have created a valuable
organization, which retains the coveted ‘Most Attractive Employer’ accomplishment. I am
thoroughly convinced that the Star will achieve new heights with the new leadership of
Martin Schwenk.”
Mr. Folger added, “In 2015, I came to India from Malaysia and will go back to the South
East Asian markets of Thailand & Vietnam. While I am eagerly looking forward to my new
assignment, there will be a bit of India always inside me. I appreciate all the invaluable
and unconditional support that I received from my colleagues here and would also like to
thank our investors who are the best and the most professional in the business.”
Martin Schwenk, currently the Chief Financial Officer of Beijing Mercedes-Benz
Sales Service Co. Ltd. in China stated, “Having worked across in different countries and
functions, I am extremely excited for my forthcoming responsibility to head the dynamic
India market. India’s rich cultural diversity, the young population, the diverse customs,
different languages and topography together with its importance as a future economic
power house; makes it a compelling market to grow the business. It is a privileged
opportunity for me to head the business of the most iconic and successful luxury motoring brand, in one of the most vibrant markets in the region. With my experience across various
business divisions, I am looking forward to pursue the ‘Indian story’ further and make the
foundation of Mercedes-Benz even stronger in India. We have a fantastic winning team
comprising our people and investors with proven records, and I am eager to be part of this
winning team.”
Martin Schwenk who will take the new responsibility of heading Mercedes-Benz India
from 1st November, 2018 has an Engineering degree from the University of Stuttgart and
started his career at Daimler in 1992, through the Mercedes-Benz Trainee Program.
Afterwards, he has taken various important positions in Finance and Controlling in several
locations, including Germany, South Africa, Austria and United States.
In September 2015, Martin joined the Mercedes-Benz Sales Organization in China as the
Chief Financial Officer. With his professional insights and strategic direction, he played a
leading role on the progress of many critical projects and business processes, and proved
himself indispensable in safeguarding the sustainable success of MB passenger car
business in China.
