Mercedes-Benz South Africa appoints new executive director

Jasper Hafkamp

Hafkamp joined Mercedes-Benz Nederland BV in 1995 after completing his studies in Business Engineering at the College of Technology and Management and Organisation at the University of Groningen. He started within the commercial vehicle department where he held various positions within marketing and product management for Mercedes-Benz Vans and Trucks.

In 2008, Hafkamp became responsible for Mercedes-Benz Truck Sales in The Netherlands and then progressed to the position of managing director: Mercedes-Benz Trucks. During this period he was able to grow the market share of Trucks in the Netherlands from 10% in 2010 to the current sustainable 17%. Furthermore, he integrated Fuso Trucks sales within the Mercedes-Benz Trucks organisation.

The current executive director for DT&B (and the vice-chairman of the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Division and Bus Forum for the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa), Kobus van Zyl, is pursuing a new career opportunity and assignment within the larger global Daimler organisation.

Van Zyl has been appointed as general manager for National Automotive Industries in Saudi Arabia, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz Trucks and E.A. Juffali & Brothers. His appointment is effective from 1 October 2016 and to ensure a smooth transition, he will be available for a handover period. The Juffali Group is the Mercedes-Benz appointed general distributor in Saudi Arabia and Van Zyl will be responsible for Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Vans, Buses and Special Trucks as well as Western Star and Freightliner Trucks.