Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) announced the appointment of Jeff Allen and Stefan Kurschner to its Operating Committee. Effective August 1, 2017, Jeff Allen assumes the position of DTNA’s senior vice president of Production, Quality and Specialty Vehicles. Effective July 1, 2017, Stefan Kurschner will lead DTNA’s Aftermarket business units as senior vice president.
“Daimler Trucks North America has an exceptionally strong executive team and Jeff Allen and Stefan Kurschner exemplify the type of leaders that will continue the company’s undisputed market leadership,” said Roger Nielsen, president and CEO, Daimler Trucks North America. “Their membership on DTNA’s Operating Committee bolsters our collective expertise in managing our industry-leading manufacturing and aftermarket networks.”
Jeff Allen, currently vice president of operations at Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) in Redford, Michigan, will head the company’s production, quality and specialty vehicles business units starting August 1, 2017. Allen’s expertise at Daimler Trucks encompasses over twenty years of leadership and operational responsibility. Most recently, Jeff has excelled at leading all facets of the Detroit operation including management of Detroit’s Powertrain Headquarters in Michigan, as well as Detroit’s Axle Plant in Saltillo, Mexico.
“Jeff Allen’s tenure at DDC’s powertrain operations has been a resounding success,” continued Nielsen. “Exceptional product quality and incredible market penetration of the integrated Detroit Powertrain made Jeff the perfect candidate to lead DTNA’s manufacturing network, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation and Thomas Built Buses.”
Previously Jeff was vice president of Operations for Thomas Built Buses in Highpoint, NC from 2004 through 2011. He started his career at DDC in 1992 working as a Business Unit Manager before accepting an assignment in Brazil with Detroit Diesel Motores do Brazil in 1997. He returned to Detroit as Director of Assembly from 2000 through 2004.
Jeff will be located in Fort Mill, South Carolina in close proximity to the majority of DTNA’s U.S. manufacturing operations.
Stefan Kurschner, currently president and CEO of Daimler Vehículos Comerciales Mexico has been promoted to the position of senior vice president of Aftermarket effective July 1, 2017. Stefan brings over twenty-five years of distinguished Daimler global experience, including management positions in Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, USA and Mexico. Stefan has lead Daimler Trucks Mexico since September 1, 2013, which has led to dramatic growth in the region and the 2016 achievement of 36.2% of the Mexican Class 8 market.
“Stefan has transformed the Mexican market for DTNA over the last four years,” continued Nielsen. “He set aggressive goals for the revitalization of both the Daimler Trucks Mexico workforce and the Dealer Network, two goals that were achieved very quickly. He leaves the Mexican market well-positioned for continued success.”
Previously, Stefan served as president of Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing LLC until August 2013. In his new role, Stefan will lead DTNA's aftermarket functions including Central Service, Parts Sales & Marketing, Parts Distribution, Dealer Operations, and Remanufacturing.
