Staff Writer
New Delhi: Daimler Truck’s Indian commercial vehicle operations are set for a leadership change as Torsten Schmidt is announced as the new Managing Director and CEO of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), effective early 2026. Schmidt will succeed Satyakam Arya, who has been appointed as the designated President and CEO of Hino Motors in Japan.
Currently serving as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Mercedes-Benz do Brasil, Schmidt brings over 28 years of experience within the Daimler Group. He joined the company in 1997 after completing his studies in Industrial Engineering and Management in Germany and the UK. Over the decades, he has held senior roles across Germany, India, Japan, and Brazil, gaining deep expertise in production, sales, and central functions at Daimler Truck, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, and Daimler Truck Asia. His career reflects extensive experience in business transformation across Asia, Europe, and Latin America, including leading finance and controlling for Daimler Truck’s operations in Japan before his current role in Brazil.
Achim Puchert, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Trucks, welcomed Schmidt’s appointment, highlighting his “global and intercultural expertise” and his proven ability to deliver results. Puchert added that Schmidt’s strategic vision, strong leadership, financial acumen, and comprehensive understanding of the entire value chain make him an ideal fit to drive DICV’s future growth.
Puchert also paid tribute to outgoing CEO Satyakam Arya, describing him as “an outstanding leader with exceptional expertise in commercial vehicle operations and a deep commitment to customer success.” Under Arya’s leadership, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles strengthened its footprint and established a solid foundation for long-term growth. Puchert extended his best wishes to Arya in his new role at Hino Motors.
In his new position, Torsten Schmidt will report directly to Achim Puchert, steering DICV’s operations as the company looks to consolidate its presence in the Indian commercial vehicle market while leveraging Schmidt’s international experience to drive business transformation and growth.