Dennis Kinzelmann now heads Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, overseeing Unimog, Econic, Zetros, and the defence business.
Defence Business Now A Strategic Priority for Mercedes-Benz Trucks
Mercedes-Benz Trucks has appointed Dennis Kinzelmann to lead its Special Trucks division from January 1, 2026, consolidating responsibility for the unit and Daimler Truck‘s global defence business under a direct reporting line to the truckmaker’s chief executive.
Kinzelmann, 45, took over the role at the start of the year, succeeding Franziska Cusumano, who is set to become chief executive of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation in Japan on April 1. The change was announced by Daimler Truck in December.
In his new position, Kinzelmann oversees the development, production, and sales of the Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks portfolio, including Unimog, Econic, and Zetros, as well as the group’s custom-tailored vehicle operations and its defence business.
The company said it is making targeted investments to strengthen its defence portfolio, expand capabilities and leverage industrial production and scaling expertise to support customers’ operational readiness. Under Kinzelmann, the division now reports directly to Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
Kinzelmann began his professional career in 2003 as a purchaser for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. Since 2008, he has held various leadership positions in product strategy and management, compliance, procurement, and development.
Puchert said, with nearly two decades of experience in various leadership roles within the automotive industry, Kinzelmann has proven his capability to drive the division forward.
“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,” Puchert said.
Puchert also expressed his gratitude toward Cusumano, 36, who led Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks through a recovery phase in the last few 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,” Puchert added.
