Pretoria, South Africa – Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) has announced the appointment of Deon de Vries as the new General Manager for Mercedes-Benz Buses in Southern Africa, effective 1 August 2024. This strategic leadership change follows the promotion of Jason Brunninger to Head of Sales and Marketing for Coaches in North America.
Deon de Vries brings a wealth of experience and a robust educational background to his new role. Holding a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Diploma in Marketing, Deon embarked on his career in 1997, initially taking on various roles in parts and aftersales operations. His early career saw him rise to the position of Parts Manager in 2004 and then National Parts Manager in Botswana by 2008, where he garnered extensive experience in the Heavy Commercial Vehicles, Buses, and Power Generation sectors.
In 2015, Deon joined DTSA as a Regional Sales Manager (RSM) for Mercedes-Benz Trucks. His significant contributions and leadership skills led to his promotion to Head of Sales for Mercedes-Benz Trucks in 2019. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in driving the upward sales trajectory and securing market share leadership for three consecutive years.
Comprehensive Responsibilities
As the new General Manager for Mercedes-Benz Buses, Deon will assume strategic leadership responsibilities across critical areas such as Sales, Parts, Services, Marketing, and Network Steering. This comprehensive role is designed to ensure the continued success and growth of the Mercedes-Benz Buses division in Southern Africa.
Commitment to Excellence
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Deon de Vries said, “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead Mercedes-Benz Buses in Southern Africa. I eagerly look forward to engaging with our customers and contributing to the division’s ongoing success, supported by the DTSA team and network.”
Maretha Gerber, President and Group CEO of Daimler Truck Southern Africa, shared her confidence in Deon’s capabilities, stating, “I am thrilled to have Deon take the helm of our bus division. Deon has consistently demonstrated exceptional ability, expertise, and dedication during his tenure at DTSA, significantly contributing to our company’s success.”
Looking Ahead
The appointment of Deon de Vries marks a new chapter for Mercedes-Benz Buses in Southern Africa. His extensive experience and proven track record in the industry are expected to drive the division to new heights. The DTSA team is optimistic about the future and looks forward to witnessing Deon’s leadership in action.
As DTSA bids farewell to Jason Brunninger, they extend their gratitude for his significant contributions to the bus business in Southern Africa and wish him continued success in his new role in North America. With Deon de Vries at the helm, the Mercedes-Benz Buses division is poised for a promising future, ready to meet the evolving demands of the market and exceed customer expectations.
