Abey Kgotle was announced in June 2025 as the incoming CEO (in some reports described as co-CEO alongside or succeeding in structure involving Claudius Steinhoff) of Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA), set to take effect on December 1, 2025, replacing Andreas Brand, who had been CEO since 2022 and was transitioning to a global role at Mercedes-Benz AG in Stuttgart.
However, Kgotle resigned for personal reasons effective November 30, 2025—mere days before the planned transition—meaning he never assumed the CEO position. He simultaneously stepped down from his long-held role as Executive Director of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs at MBSA, which he had occupied since joining the company in 2017.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa issued statements (including via SENS notice) respecting his decision, praising his meaningful contributions over eight years, particularly in HR and corporate affairs, but provided no further details on the personal reasons cited.
As a result, Andreas Brand continued as CEO of MBSA “until further notice.” Available information indicates he remained in the role at least into early 2026, with no immediate successor named following the abrupt change.
Kgotle’s anticipated leadership was expected to bring significant impact to MBSA amid the automotive industry’s shifts (including EV transitions), but this did not materialize due to the resignation.
Toyota To Invest About $10 Billion In US Operations
Note that broader challenges faced by the global Mercedes-Benz Group in 2025—such as profit pressures from competition in China and EV market dynamics—were unrelated to this personnel matter.
The company respected his decision and praised his contributions during his tenure since 2017 (primarily as Executive Director of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs). As a result, Andreas Brand continued as CEO beyond the planned transition.