Arno van der Merwe

Arno van der Merwe is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in the automotive industry. Currently serving as Vice President of Planning at Mercedes-Benz AG since June 2023, Arno previously held the position of President and CEO at Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd. from April 2017 to July 2023. Prior to that, Arno was CEO and Executive Director Manufacturing at Mercedes-Benz South Africa from January 2012 to March 2017, overseeing all manufacturing operations, including the East London plant. Arno's career at Mercedes Benz South Africa (Pty) Ltd began in February 2004, where roles included Senior Manager for Mercedes Passenger Car Assembly and Senior Plant Project Manager. Arno holds both a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Bachelor of Engineering from Stellenbosch University, completed between 1991 and 1994.