Daimler Truck Australia Pacific president and chief executive Daniel Whitehead will step down at the end of the year, bringing to a close a 30-year career with Daimler Truck and Mercedes-Benz.
Whitehead has led the Australian business for the past 12 years, following a decade working in China, overseeing a period of significant growth that has seen Daimler Truck become Australia’s second-largest truck manufacturer.
During his tenure, the company introduced a string of new heavy vehicle models, including the Mercedes-Benz Actros in 2016, the Fuso Shogun in 2019 and the Freightliner Cascadia in 2020.
He also oversaw the company’s transition to electric trucks, with the launch of the Fuso eCanter in 2021, followed by the Mercedes-Benz eActros and eEconic. Under Whitehead’s leadership, Daimler Truck became the first manufacturer to introduce an electric truck to the Australian market with the Fuso eCanter.
Whitehead also led the introduction of advanced safety technologies and lower-emission engines across Daimler Truck’s Australian and New Zealand operations ahead of regulatory requirements.
“I have enjoyed every minute of my 30-year career with this remarkable company,” says Whitehead.
“It has provided me with tremendous opportunities both personally and professionally and I couldn’t thank them enough.”
In addition to his role at Daimler Truck Australia Pacific, Whitehead serves on the board of Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA).
