In a significant leadership transition, Mercedes-Benz South Africa Limited (MBSA) has announced that Mark Raine, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Mercedes-Benz Cars, will step down from his position effective 31 August 2024. Mark Raine, whose three-year tenure has been marked by exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication, will be taking up a new role in Stuttgart, Germany, where he will oversee Direct Sales, Omni-Channel Commerce & Data Management.
Reflecting on Raine’s contributions, Wilfried Porth, Chairman of the Board of Mercedes-Benz South Africa Limited, expressed deep appreciation. “Mark’s three-year tenure with us has been nothing short of exemplary, characterized by unwavering dedication and visionary leadership. We wish Mark all the best in his new position and thank him for steering our market through challenges and transformations, with his international business acumen,” Porth commented.
Stepping into Raine’s role, Claudius Steinhoff, currently Head of Marketing & Sales Mercedes-Benz Cars Singapore and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Singapore Pte. Ltd., will assume the position of Co-Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Mercedes-Benz Cars on 1 September 2024. Steinhoff’s appointment marks a new chapter for Mercedes-Benz South Africa, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a strong track record of success.
Steinhoff’s journey with Mercedes-Benz began in 2008 as a student at the Cooperative State University Baden-Wuerttemberg. His career has since been characterized by a series of strategic roles across various functions, including Treasury, Product Management, and as an Executive Assistant to the Head of Region Overseas. In 2023, he further honed his leadership skills by completing a Global Executive MBA program at INSEAD Business School in Singapore.
During his tenure as President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Singapore (MBSG), which began in October 2020, Steinhoff led the company to remarkable achievements. Under his leadership, MBSG secured the #1 position in the total market in 2022 and established itself as the #1 luxury brand in 2023. His strategic vision also facilitated the successful introduction of fully electric models across every segment served by Mercedes-Benz in Singapore, with a strong emphasis on the company’s core pillars of Desirability, Electrification, Digitization, and Sustainability.
Wilfried Porth expressed confidence in Steinhoff’s ability to lead the South African division, stating, “It is my pleasure to welcome Claudius Steinhoff to the leadership team at Mercedes-Benz South Africa. Claudius brings vast experience and knowledge which will ensure continuity in advancing the strategic objectives for Mercedes-Benz Cars locally. Together with the Board of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, we look forward to the incredible work he will steer within the Sales, Marketing, Customer Services and Network Management portfolios.”
Upon his appointment, Claudius Steinhoff shared his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am honored to join the talented team at Mercedes-Benz South Africa and am eager to partner with our team and retail partners to deliver remarkable Mercedes-Moments for our customers.”
As Mercedes-Benz South Africa looks ahead to this new era of leadership, the transition underscores the brand’s commitment to maintaining its position as a leader in the luxury automotive market, while continuing to drive innovation and customer-centric strategies under Steinhoff’s stewardship.
