Change of Leadership at Mercedes-Benz South Africa

Mercedes-Benz South Africa Limited (MBSA) announces that Klaus Eser, currently Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Director Finance and Controlling, will retire and be succeeded by Taryn Woodbridge, effective 1 December 2022.

Commenting on the executive changes, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director Manufacturing, Andreas Brand said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Taryn Woodbridge to the leadership team at Mercedes-Benz South Africa as the company’s first female Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director Finance and Controlling. Taryn brings on board vast industry experience and will certainly make an even greater impact within the business to ensure we continue to meet our strategic objectives.”

Following the successful completion of his Business Degree from the University of Stuttgart, Klaus began his career with Mercedes-Benz in 1989 on an international Trainee Programme. Klaus’ work experience spans over several years in executive positions encompassing Finance & Controlling and Product & Market Management. Before joining MBSA as the CFO and Executive Director Finance and Controlling in 2019, Klaus served as CFO for the German (and later European) Own Retail Organisation supporting a far-reaching restructuring programme for six years.

MBSA CFO and Executive Director Finance and Controlling designate Taryn Woodbridge, is a qualified Chartered Accountant (SA) and a Taxation Masters in Commerce graduate from Rhodes University. Taryn joined MBSA in 2004 as a Product Control Analyst and has held several leadership positions in Controlling, Taxation and Accounting with a focus on Plant Performance and Optimisation over the years. In 2014, Taryn was promoted into a Senior Management position and to date has been responsible for Plant Accounting and Controlling.

Commenting on her appointment, Taryn Woodbridge said, “I would like to thank Klaus for being an exemplary steward in this critical role. As he passes the baton to me, I am honoured to lead and be afforded this opportunity. I look forward to immersing myself in the role and to further advance the strategic ambitions of Mercedes-Benz South Africa.”

“On behalf of the Board of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, we would like to thank Klaus for his commitment and years of passionate service at MBSA and wish Taryn well in her new role,” Andreas concluded.

Brandlive