Mercedes-Benz, India’s leading luxury car manufacturer, has announced a key organizational change in its External Affairs and Corporate Citizenship division. Effective August 26, 2024, Dr. Shyam Sunder has been appointed as the head of this function. Reporting directly to Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Dr. Shyam will oversee Mercedes-Benz India’s government relations, public policy advocacy, and policy initiatives. His role will involve close collaboration with policymakers and industry leaders, as well as spearheading the company’s diverse corporate citizenship programs to build stronger communities.Mercedes-Benz India managing director and CEO Santosh Iyer mentioned, “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Shyam Sunder as the Head of External Affairs and Corporate Citizenship at Mercedes-Benz India. His extensive experience and deep understanding of external affairs will be invaluable in conveying our views to policymakers and actively participating in various industry associations. Dr. Shyam’s expertise aligns with our commitment to fostering close collaboration with policymakers and external stakeholders, and driving impactful corporate social initiatives at Mercedes-Benz.”Dr. Shyam Sunder brings a wealth of experience to this position, with a master’s degree in Econometrics and a Ph.D. in Economics. His impressive 24-year career includes significant roles in public policy, advocacy, and government relations at leading automotive OEMs. He has also served with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), where he was instrumental in shaping public policy and fostering industry partnerships. His deep expertise in public affairs, policy advocacy, and strategic stakeholder engagement highlights his capability to manage external affairs and navigate the complex regulatory environment for Mercedes-Benz India.

Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East (MBCME) has appointed Taniya Chandra as the new Head of Marketing & Communication effective February 2024. Her responsibilities extend across the Mercedes-Benz General Distributor (MBGD) network. Headquartered in Dubai, MBGD is the central hub overseeing and steering strategy and business transformation, aiming to improve business operations and communication across Central Eastern Europe (CEE), the Middle East, Africa, Latin America (LATAM), and Southeast Asia (SEA). Taniya brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic approach to the role, succeeding Natalie Thompson, who has taken up the position of CEO of Mercedes-Benz Romania.An engineering graduate with a MBA from Singapore, Taniya possesses a diverse portfolio of international experience, showcasing exceptional passion and leadership throughout her career. As an inspiring, self-driven, target oriented – yet empathetic leader, she truly empowers her teams to push boundaries, reimagine engagement and deliver memorable and unique communications and customer experiences.Her journey with Mercedes-Benz began, as part of INspire – The Leader’s Lab management program. Since then, Taniya has embraced transformational roles to drive active change and innovation through dynamic shifts in the industry. Prior to relocating to the UAE, she was based in Stuttgart, leading Customer Experience across the Overseas markets and successfully setup an Overseas Experience Center for Customer Services in South-East Asia.Having grown up and worked in the region previously, she possesses a deep understanding of the market and brings a wealth of global experience to her role. Her professional journey reflects a commitment to drive positive change, enable sustainable business growth and maintain an unwavering focus on delivering meaningful and impactful marketing campaigns and customer experiences. Taniya is poised to contribute significantly to the strategic vision of Mercedes-Benz, leveraging her passion for transformation, customer-centric business growth and creative storytelling.Commenting on her appointment, Taniya Chandra stated, “I am excited and honoured to take on this role at Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East. As Head of Marketing and Communication for MBGD, I am deeply committed to crafting a strategy that intertwines our diverse portfolio of luxury brands and our innovative and iconic product line up with the captivating stories and experiences of our customers, while honouring our rich heritage as pioneers in the mobility sector. I am grateful to collaborate with a very talented team and valued customers on this exciting journey.”Taniya Chandra's appointment underscores Mercedes-Benz's commitment to foster leadership talent within the organization and ensure a clear focus on customer centricity across business operations. Mercedes-Benz is poised to redefine the future of Marketing and Communication, setting new benchmarks for creativity and experiential storytelling in the automotive industry.

Omnicom agency Oliver Schrott Kommunikation (OSK), a leading German PR and communications firm, today announced a leadership transition. Founder Oliver Schrott, (pictured above), will step down as CEO after 31 years at the helm. Succeeding him will be Christoph Horn, a seasoned communications professional with extensive experience in the automotive and mobility sectors.Schrott will continue to play a valuable role at OSK in the newly established position of non-executive chairman, ensuring a smooth transition and leveraging his vast industry knowledge.Christoph Horn joins OSK from global automotive supplier ZF Group, where he served as SVP of corporate communications. Throughout his 30-year career, Horn has held prominent communications positions at Ford, General Motors, Opel, and Daimler AG, including seven years leading global communications for Mercedes-Benz.Horn expressed his excitement about leading OSK, acknowledging the firm's impressive track record and commitment to innovation. "OSK's ability to stay ahead of the curve through its specialized services and willingness to embrace new ideas makes it an ideal fit for me," he said. "I'm honored to take on this leadership role and serve OSK's clients, its dedicated team, and the broader Omnicom network."Oliver Schrott praised Horn's qualifications and expressed his confidence in the future of OSK. "Christoph is the perfect successor to lead OSK," Schrott stated. "He represents both continuity and the potential for further growth, especially during this period of rapid change within the industry. We share a strong work ethic, high standards, and a passion for pushing boundaries. I look forward to supporting Christoph, the OSK management team, and the entire agency in my new role."Horn will assume leadership alongside COO Michael Kemme and CFO Marc Wolter, both longstanding members of OSK's management team.Headquartered in Cologne with offices in Stuttgart, Berlin, New York, and Beijing, OSK employs approximately 250 communications specialists.