Daimler's chairman and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Dr Dieter Zetsche will step down from his role in 2019.

Ola Kallenius, current board of management member for group research and Mercedes-Benz development, and a former head of the Mercedes-AMG performance car division, will take over from Zetsche.

Zetsche is expected to become chairman of Daimler's supervisory board in 2021, subject to shareholder approval, and has to comply with a two-year 'cooling off period' from his current role.

Current supervisory board chairman Manfred Bischoff said: "Dieter Zetsche has played a key role in shaping Daimler AG and has ensured its strategically outstanding positioning for the mobility of the future. His expertise and experience are extremely valuable for our company.

"Dieter Zetsche is predestined also to lead the company’s supervisory board prudently and successfully. As chairman of the board of management, he has proven that he can lead Daimler AG also in difficult circumstances and can inspire employees to pursue ambitious goals."

Bischoff added that in Ola Källenius Daimler was "appointing a recognized, internationally experienced and successful Daimler executive" to the key leadership role.

Zetsche said: “In various positions at Daimler, Ola Källenius has earned not only my respect, but also the recognition of his colleagues in very diverse areas. At the same time, he contributes a valuable international perspective. I therefore very much welcome the fact that the supervisory board has made this forward-looking personnel decision.”

Daimler said as of October 1, 2018, Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG, will report directly to the head of Mercedes-Benz Cars to reflect the growing importance of this business