STUTTGART, Germany — The roller-coaster career of Wolfgang Bernhard is about to take an upswing again. Daimler AG said Friday that it intends to name the former McKinsey & Co. consultant to its board of management, with responsibility for Mercedes-Benz Cars production and procurement. Bernhard will also retain his present responsibility for the company's Vans division.
The 49-year-old Bernhard came to prominence as Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche's right-hand man and confidant, when both were seconded to the U.S. to take over management at Chrysler. Bernhard served as president and chief operating officer of Chrysler from 2000-'04, personally championing such cars as the Chrysler Crossfire.
Bernhard returned to Germany in 2004 and was to have headed Mercedes-Benz Cars. But after a dispute with Zetsche's predecessor, Jürgen Schrempp, Bernhard left to join rival Volkswagen in 2004, heading VW brand operations, then leaving in 2007, under pressure from the German labor unions for pushing strenuous cost-cutting measures in Wolfsburg.
Bernhard advised Cerberus Capital Management, the U.S. private-equity firm, in its acquisition of Chrysler from Daimler in 2007 and was widely rumored to be named Chrysler CEO — a post that ultimately went to Bob Nardelli.
Bernhard returned to Daimler a year ago, in a low-key role as head of the company's Vans operation.
His new role will make him one of Daimler's top executives.
Inside Line says: Bernhard seems to have nine lives. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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calspecial68 says:
06:32 PM, 02/08/2010
the chrysler crossfire wasnt that big of a triumph was it??? i mean it was an okay car, but really?
atenza94546 says:
01:27 PM, 02/08/2010
Maybe he is another world car recaller waiting to happen.
guy1974 says:
12:31 PM, 02/08/2010
daddiod - no talent if he can make huge strategic erros like advising Cerbeus to buy Chrsyler.
daddiod says:
10:07 AM, 02/08/2010
Nine lives or a ton of talent....
throwback says:
07:46 AM, 02/08/2010
He may yet get to sit in the big chair.