Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) announced the appointment of Marcus (Bart) Herring as Vice President of Sales and Product, succeeding Senol Bayrak, effective August 1. Currently serving as the Vice President of Sales and Product for Mercedes-Benz Canada, Bart Herring will return to the United States to join the MBUSA executive leadership team. 

"Bart is a proven leader with an exceptional track record, and we look forward to welcoming him back to MBUSA and to the Executive Management team. With his lifelong passion for the automotive industry and years of experience with the Mercedes-Benz brand, I am convinced that Bart is well-positioned to work in close collaboration with the best dealer partners in the industry to lead the way and ensure that
Mercedes-Benz is the most desired electric luxury brand."
-Dimitris Psillakis, President & CEO Mercedes-Benz USA

During his tenure in Canada, Herring further strengthened the market position for Mercedes-Benz while cementing exceptional dealer relations. Bart also successfully led the product management team and their alignment with MBUSA to develop a truly integrated offering, benefitting both Canadian and American customers.

Herring began his career with Mercedes-Benz in 1998 as a Financial Review Analyst at Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, and then spent eight years in product management at MBUSA where he was responsible for numerous successful product launches. Bart's leadership capabilities further elevated him to director level positions in three pivotal roles, overseeing sales operations, product management, and pre-owned and fleet operations for the U.S. market.

Michael Minielly has also been appointed Director, Communications and Experience effective August 1. Reporting directly to MBUSA's CMO Melody Lee, this newly created role brings together product, corporate, brand and internal communications, brand experience marketing, corporate social responsibility and internal events under the leadership of Minielly.

"Michael has consistently been regarded by his colleagues, members of the media and agency partners for his strategic leadership, commitment, and passion for the Mercedes-Benz brand. I am grateful that he will be stepping into this newly created role to effectively and impactfully communicate our brand story and ensure exceptional experiences with the brand and our products."
-Melody Lee, Chief Marketing Officer, Mercedes-Benz USA

Michael joined Mercedes-Benz in 2008, first supervising Canadian communications activities before moving to MBUSA's product communications team over 10 years ago. In 2016, Michael moved to Los Angeles to manage national events and brand and lifestyle public relations activities, and since 2018, Minielly has led the national product, technology, brand and lifestyle communications team from the West Coast.