Mercedes-Benz USA has named marketing boss Steve Cannon as its new Chief Executive Officer effective January 1. Automotive News reports that Cannon, who has been with MB for 20 years, is only the second American to hold the post in the luxury brand's long history.

Financial boss Herbert Werner had been serving as interim CEO after the departure of MB USA boss Ernst Lieb. Lieb left the company in disgrace after a scandal was uncovered involving improper use of company funds.

According to Automotive News, dealers appear happy with the choice of Cannon. Michael Cantanucci, who runs the Mercedes dealer board here in the States, called the move "a good decision," and added that dealers are "excited and we're pleased."

Cannon, who was a U.S. Army Airborne Ranger before signing on at Mercedes, points out that the company's dealer relations are at a 20-year high, and tells AN that his appointment shows "it wasn't necessary to take someone from the global organization or Stuttgart and parachute them in to run this show."Mercedes-Benz USA announces Cannon as new CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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