Beijing (ZXZC)- Mercedes-Benz Group AG appointed Paul Gao to the newly created position of Chief Strategy Officer, who would be reporting directly to Chief Executive, Ola Källenius, effective July 1, 2022. 

Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz

Paul Gao will steer all aspects of the Mercedes-Benz strategy. Meanwhile, a crucial part of Gao’s responsibilities will be to incorporate the specific requirements and insights of key Asian markets, especially China, into strategic business decisions at Mercedes-Benz. 

Paul Gao; photo credit: Mercedes-Benz

“Paul is an excellent addition to our team: a proven strategist with exceptional analytical skills who has also demonstrated the ability to successfully deploy his ideas. He has close to 30 years of auto industry experience and essential know-how about China and other Asian growth markets. This makes Paul the right choice to further enhance the international profile of our brand, our management and our company”, said Ola Källenius, Chief Executive of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

During Gao’s decades of experience in the industry, he has served in many well-known consulting firms, devoting nearly two decades with McKinsey & Company. The industry-veteran made Partner in McKinsey in 2003, and became Senior Partner in 2013, providing consultations for leading automakers worldwide. 

Gao’s expertise lies in corporate and business unit strategy, sales and marketing strategy, joint ventures and strategic partnerships, cross-border transactions, organizational development, and product strategy with a focus on e-mobility.