• October 23, 2013

Bernie Glaser is moving over to the big rigs. As part of an executive shift meant to address structural changes at the automaker, Glaser, who is currently VP marketing, will take the elevator upstairs to a just-created position, VP and managing director Mercedes-Benz Vans USA. Taking his place, and getting a promotion himself in the process, is Drew Slaven. The promotions are effective Jan. 1, per the company.

Mercedes-Benz says Glaser will be responsible for all aspects of business operations including the sales, marketing, service and parts of Mercedes-Benz Vans. The position is designed to support the realignment of the company's business divisions, creating individual reporting structures for Mercedes-Benz Cars, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Daimler Trucks, per the company.

"Bernie brings extensive experience in product management, marketing, pricing and volume planning to drive the growth of the Mercedes-Benz Van division," said MBUSA president and CEO, Steve Cannon. "His outstanding leadership and product focus will cement an extremely positive future for Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S."

In his new role, Drew Slaven will be a member of MBUSA's executive management team with overall responsibility for marketing communications, market research and product management for Mercedes-Benz in the U.S.  Since 2007, Slaven has served as general manager, marketing services for MBUSA.

"Drew will be a key part of our plan to grow the Mercedes-Benz brand and to bring the brand to new buyers across our traditional, digital and event communication platforms," said Cannon.  "His broad base of marketing expertise will play an integral role in the largest product offensive in our company's history."  The company plans to introduce 30 new products in a seven-year period.