Gerald Tropper to take over management of Daimler Mannheim facility

Gerald Tropper has been appointed as the new head of the Daimler Truck Mannheim plant, effective July 1, 2026.

Daimler Truck announced that Gerald Tropper, currently Head of Corporate Audit, will assume responsibility for the Mannheim site, which combines engine production with the group’s center of competence for battery and high-voltage systems.

He will succeed Andreas Moch, who will leave the company at the end of July 2026 after more than 33 years at Daimler Truck, including 13 years as head of the Mannheim plant, according to the company.

Gerald Tropper at Daimler Mannheim

Gerald Tropper’s career at Daimler began in 1993 with an apprenticeship as an automotive mechanic. After completing a degree in industrial engineering, he held positions across aftersales, human resources and corporate audit. Daimler Truck stated that his international experience includes senior management roles in China, where he served as CFO of Daimler Truck China Ltd. and as Commercial Director and Co-CFO at Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive. Since 2023, Tropper has led the Corporate Audit department at Daimler Truck.

Founded in 1908, the Daimler Mannheim plant employs more than 4,600 people and produces engines and related components for commercial vehicles. Daimler Truck identifies the site as a core location for battery technologies and high-voltage systems, hosting a Battery Technology Center (inaugurated in 2024) with a pilot line for prototype battery cell production. The plant also operates a major foundry for iron casting components and serves as the group’s European center for reconditioned engine production.

Yaris Pürsün, Head of Global Powersystems Operation Daimler Truck, said: “I would like to sincerely thank Andreas Moch for his outstanding commitment. He has significantly shaped the orientation and culture of the site and strengthened the future viability of engine production in Mannheim. At the same time, I am pleased to welcome Gerald Tropper to the powertrain team and the Mannheim plant. With his strategic expertise and international experience, he will lead the site successfully and continue its consistent development.”