Mark Lampert to retire as Daimler Trucks North America’s Senior VP of Sales and Marketing; Richard Howard named as successor

Daimler Trucks North America today announced that Mark Lampert, senior vice president of sales and marketing, will retire March 31.

As Daimler Trucks North America’s senior vice president of sales and marketing, Mark Lampert was responsible for the development of sales and marketing for Freightliner Trucks, the Detroit components brand of on-highway engines, axles and transmissions and the company's proprietary components sales. Additionally, he had oversight of the company's used truck operations as well as export sales.

For over 20 years, Lampert has thrived during his tenure with the company beginning with his first position in 1993 as vice president of sales for Freightliner Canada, to subsequent positions of increasing responsibility managing the company’s dealer operations, product planning, marketing and retail truck operations and used trucks.   

"I am extremely grateful to have spent over 20 years with this great company, and I am deeply honored to have had the opportunity to lead Freightliner to its present position as undisputed market leader across each and every commercial vehicle segment," said Mark Lampert. "Working for Daimler Trucks North America has been a blessing and a privilege; however, I am resolute that 2014 is the right time for me to retire for a variety of reasons. First, the company’s future sales success is assured through a robust product pipeline, as well as the Freightliner Cascadia Evolution – the industry’s flagship in terms of total cost of ownership.  Second, I look forward to spending more time with my wife, children and grandchildren.  And lastly, the company has identified an excellent successor, Richard Howard, who is capable of executing the company’s sales and marketing vision well into the future.”

“Daimler Trucks North America owes a huge debt of gratitude for Mark’s unwavering commitment to sales and marketing excellence.   His goal of achieving undisputed market leadership is unquestioned as he leaves the company’s sales and marketing team positioned for continued prosperity,” said Martin Daum, president and CEO, Daimler Trucks North America.   “Mark’s retirement is well-earned and his career will be unmatched in our industry.  We will always consider him a valued member of the Daimler Trucks North America family and wish him the best for his retirement.  I look forward to continuing my close personal relationship with Mark and will remain a supportive confidant and trusted friend throughout his future endeavors.” 

Richard Howard will assume the position of Daimler Trucks North America sales and marketing senior vice president on April 1.  Richard was formerly Member of the Board of Management of Daimler Financial Services AG responsible for the Africa & Asia/Pacific region.  Richard brings over 20 years of management experience to the senior vice president of sales and marketing position at Daimler Trucks North America.   

His highly successful, diverse tenure with the company has included positions in Project Management, Marketing and Financial Services that have spanned the globe, including positions based in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, the United States and Asia-Pacific regions.   Additionally, prior to his current assignment in Asia, Richard was the vice president of Daimler Truck Financial USA with specific responsibility to support Daimler Trucks North America’s sales and dealer network.   

"Richard’s oversight of Daimler Truck Financial USA through the last economic downturn forged strong ties with Daimler Trucks North America’s customers and dealer network,” said Daum. "His decisive leadership, his personal style, and his depth of experience across the entire Daimler organization exemplify the skills and values required for exceptional leadership." 

"I am excited by this opportunity to lead the Daimler Trucks North America sales and marketing group. We have an outstanding team and I applaud Mark Lampert’s performance pacing the industry in each and every vehicle segment,” said Howard.  “I look forward to furthering the expectations of each and every customer through our industry-leading products and customer support.”    

“On behalf of the Freightliner Dealer Council we congratulate Mark Lampert on his upcoming retirement,” said Brad Fauvre, president of Los Angeles Freightliner and Freightliner Dealer Council chairman.   “We look forward to welcoming Richard Howard back to the Freightliner family. His commitment, leadership and support of the Freightliner dealer network is well-established through his previous tenure.” 

Richard will be relocating to the Portland, Oregon area and will oversee the company’s sales and marketing initiatives from Daimler Trucks North America’s Corporate Headquarters on Swan Island, Portland, Oregon.