Bernhard’s appointment gives Zetsche an ally.
Daimler AG’s supervisory board has extended the contract of Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, for up to three years until December 31, 2013.
The contract of Dr. Thomas Weber, Board of Management Member for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, was also extended until December 31, 2013.
The three-year extension, effective as of January 1, 2011, reflects Daimler’s general policy to conclude contracts for a period of three years, in the cases of both initial appointments and re-appointments, a statement from Daimler noted.
The supervisory board, which includes outside directors and labor representatives, also approved the appointment of Wolfgang Bernhard to the company’s separate board of management. The board of management will have six rather than five members, going forward, and Bernhard’s appointment gives Zetsche a critical ally.
Bernhard also was appointed to a new position that puts him in charge of Mercedes-Benz car production and procurement, as previously reported. Bernhard’s appointments also extended three years until Feb. 2013.
The latest moves appear to make Bernhard the leading candidate to succeed Zetsche.
Bernhard rejoined Daimler AG in 2009 as the as head of the newly created Mercedes-Benz Vans division.
Zetsche has been a member of the Daimler Board of Management since December 16, 1998 and its chairman since January 1, 2006. He is also Head of the Mercedes-Benz Cars division. Dr. Thomas Weber has been a member of the Daimler Board of Management since January 1, 2003, with responsibility for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development since May 1, 2004.
The contracts of Dr. Zetsche and Dr. Weber would have expired in December 2010.