South African executive Taryn Woodbridge named first female CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa

Mercedes-Benz South Africa Limited has announced the appointment of South African executive Taryn Woodbridge as its next Chief Executive Officer, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to lead the automotive group.

The appointment, effective June 1, 2026, places Woodbridge at the helm of one of South Africa’s leading automotive manufacturers. She succeeds Andreas Brand, who will assume a global role at Mercedes-Benz AG in Stuttgart as Head of Supply Chain Management for Global Customer Services and Parts.

Leadership transition at Mercedes-Benz South Africa

Brand’s transition follows a tenure defined by operational stability and alignment with global strategy. His move into a senior international role underscores the group’s focus on strengthening supply chain leadership amid evolving global production and distribution challenges.

Woodbridge’s appointment signals continuity, backed by deep institutional knowledge and a proven track record in financial and operational leadership.

Woodbridge’s Career and Rise to CEO

Woodbridge joined Mercedes-Benz South Africa in 2004 as a Product Control Analyst and has spent more than two decades rising through the company’s ranks. Her experience spans controlling, taxation, accounting, and plant performance optimization.

In 2014, she entered senior management, taking responsibility for plant accounting and controlling, where she oversaw cost structures, capital investments, and efficiency metrics.

Her performance in these roles led to her appointment as Chief Financial Officer in 2022. As CFO, she played a central role in shaping financial strategy, governance, and operational discipline across the organization.

Executive changes and global roles

As part of the leadership reshuffle, Ulf Nestler will succeed Woodbridge as Chief Financial Officer. Nestler previously served as CFO of Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India and brings extensive experience in financial strategy, governance alignment, and cross-border integration.

His career also includes leading mergers and acquisitions initiatives in China, reinforcing the company’s long-term positioning across key global markets.

The company also confirmed that Denis Peterson will step down as General Counsel and Company Secretary on May 31, 2026. A successor is expected to be announced in due course.

Industry significance and strategic outlook

Woodbridge’s appointment represents a defining moment for gender representation in South Africa’s automotive and corporate sectors. Her elevation reflects a broader shift toward inclusive leadership within global manufacturing organizations.

Her leadership is expected to reinforce strategic continuity while sharpening the company’s focus on efficiency, financial discipline, and long-term growth.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa remains a key player in the group’s global manufacturing and export network, and Woodbridge’s appointment positions the company to navigate evolving industry dynamics with strengthened local leadership.