Dennis Kinzelmann is the newly-appointed CEO of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks

Effective January 1, 2026, Dennis Kinzelmann will assume responsibility for Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks. Kinzelmann replaces Franziska Cusumano, who will take over as CEO for Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation in Japan on April 1, 2026.

According to the German truck maker, Kinzelmann will be responsible for the development, production, and sales of the Mercedes-Benz model series Unimog, Econic, and Zetros in Wörth, Daimler Truck’s global defence business, as well as the business for tailored customer conversions in Molsheim, Alsace. Due to the strategic importance of the defence business for Daimler Truck, Kinzelmann will henceforth report directly to the CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks’ new CEO

“Dennis Kinzelmann brings nearly 20 years of experience in various leadership roles within the automotive industry. As a passionate and forward-thinking leader, Dennis has demonstrated how to drive innovation, master complex challenges, build sustainable partnerships, and lead teams to peak performance. I am confident that Dennis will continue the success story of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks and strategically advance our focus on the defence business. Given the strategic importance of this segment, Dennis will report directly to me. I wish him every success in his new role”, stated Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

“On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to sincerely thank Franziska Cusumano for her outstanding commitment and the significant contributions she has made to Daimler Truck over the past years. Under her leadership, our defence business achieved a remarkable comeback: key industry partnerships were established, and major tenders were won – an excellent foundation for sustainable growth, on which Dennis and his team will build to further scale the business”, he added.