Mercedes-Benz U.S. International has a new president and CEO, just two weeks away from a pivotal union vote at the plant in Vance.
Federico Kochlowski is president and CEO effective April 30, replacing Michael Goebel, who has been in the role since 2019. Goebel will transition to a new role for Mercedes-Benz production in North America, the company said.
“I want to thank Michael for his commitment over the past five years,” said Jörg Burzer, head of production, quality and supply chain management for Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “When he took on this role, none of us could have imagined what was in store. He signed up to guide us through our transition to electric vehicles and ended up navigating through a global pandemic, as well. His steadfast leadership helped build a stronger MBUSI.”
Kochlowski has served in multiple leadership roles at Mercedes-Benz in the U.S., China and Mexico. He was named vice president of operations at MBUSI in 2023.
“Since arriving at MBUSI I have been struck by the commitment of this workforce. Not only to building quality vehicles, but to one another,” Kochlowski said. “Our Alabama team members have a reputation for doing things differently. As CEO, I look forward to embracing those differences and helping our team members continue to build the kind of company and culture they’re proud to be a part of.”
A vote will be held May 13-17 to determine if workers at the Vance plant will be represented by the United Auto Workers.
