Rolf Eckrodt held senior positions at Daimler-Chrysler, one of the most respected global automotive manufacturers, for more than 20 years. He had joined Mercedez-Benz in 1966 and had been known for his track record in turnarounds. As an example, as President of Mercedez-Benz Brazil in 1992-96, he carried out a complete restructuring of the troubled company.
His last post was President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, in which Daimler then had a stake.
Business Week magazine commented on his appointment at Mitsubishi, He worked wonders in the 1980s at Mercedes-Benz, where he pushed aggressive salesmanship instead of relying solely on great engineering to sell cars. At loss-making Benz do Brasil, he strengthened supplier partnerships, introduced global sourcing, and trimmed the payroll by 3,000, or 15%, his first year. At Daimler-Chrysler's struggling Adtranz railroad unit, Eckrodt tracked individual and project performance on a monthly basis Eckrodt brings that "war room" concept to Mitsubishi as well-and even impressing some senior execs in the Mitsubishi group.
Some of Rolf Eckrodt's career highlights include:
- 2002 2004 President and Chief Executive Officer, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (In this position, he reported directly to Juergen Schremmp, CEO of Daimler-Chrysler AG)
- President and Chief Executive Officer, Adtranz DaimlerChrysler Rail Systems GmbH
- President, Mercedes Benz Brazil, Commercial Vehicles, Trucks and Buses
- Director worldwide Sales and Marketing, Passenger Cars Mercedes-Benz AG
His extensive business experience at Damiler-Chrysler enables Rolf Eckrodt to speak with authority on leadership, globalization, marketing, manufacturing and corporate turnarounds.
