Mercedes-Benz Vans UK has named Robert Veit as its new managing director, replacing Steve Bridge who left the role at the end of January.

Veit, currently vice president and managing director of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Vans USA, will take over on May 1, 2021.

He started his career in 1995 as a member of the Management Trainee Group at Mercedes-Benz AG. In the following years, he held various positions within the R&D department at Passenger Cars before moving to Dubai in 2000 to take the role as regional sales manager for Commercial Vehicles.

Veit also worked for the brand in Russia, South Korea and China.

In 2012, he became president & CEO for Daimler Trucks and Buses in China, where he led and developed a newly formed team for import, wholesale and retail. Since 2016, Veit has been responsible for sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Vans USA.

“I am happy we could win Robert for our van business in the UK. He did an outstanding job within the US market and I am convinced that his wealth of experience and leadership skills will help to continue to drive our business ambition forward in the UK market,” said Marcus Breitschwerdt, executive vice president Mercedes-Benz AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.

“Robert succeeds Steve Bridge who took over the position as managing director at eStar Truck and Van, a Mercedes-Benz dealership group. Steve is one of the most influential figures of the UK commercial vehicle industry and made Mercedes-Benz Vans in the UK a huge success. Thanks a lot for a great job, Steve, and good luck for your new challenge.”

Veit added: “I’m delighted to be joining such a successful team in the UK and using my experience to help serve the highly sophisticated van community and ensure that their needs are not only being met, but are being succeeded. The van market has proved to be a vital sector in keeping the UK moving, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”