Mercedes-Benz UK chief executive and president Wilfried Steffen is leaving the Milton Keynes-based business to head Daimler's business innovation division in Stuttgart.

His replacement, from Friday, will be Marcus Breitschwerdt, currently chief executive and president of Mercedes-Benz Canada.

Breitschwerdt joined the car manufacturer in 1991 and has held various senior roles in marketing, planning and sales, including director of marketing strategy for Mercedes-Benz Cars.

He took up his current position in Mercedes-Benz Canada in 2003, since when it has doubled its sales and market share.

Steffen has headed the UK business since 2003, and leaves the UK as Mercedes-Benz's car division marked its all-time record market share of 3.7% and its commercial vehicle division also enjoyed its highest market share of 17.4%. 

The brand and its retail network now rates consistently highly in its customer service ratings and Mercedes-Benz has just taken number one slot in the Superbrands Consumer Survey.

Steffen said: “It has been a rewarding eight years and I am proud to have worked with such a fantastic group of people, both in MBUK and across our retail network. I am certain that the company will be going strong into the future and will enjoy continued success under Marcus’ leadership.”