MERCEDES-Benz South Africa announced in a SENS notice issued on Monday that CEO-designate Abey Kgotle has resigned, with effect from 30 November, citing personal reasons.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) named Kgotle in June to succeed Andreas Brand as chief executive of the company’s South African operations. Brand is currently serving as chief executive officer and executive director of MBSA: manufacturing.
The initial plan was for Brand to take up a new role as executive: production network CKD and mid volume, based in Stuttgart, Germany, effective from 30 November 2025. In his new role, Brand would have been responsible for seven manufacturing operating plants of Mercedes-Benz AG globally, including the strategic oversight of the East London manufacturing operations.
In response to the resignation, the company said Brand will continue in his current role as CEO of Mercedes-Benz until further notice, alongside his global responsibilities within Mercedes-Benz AG, to ensure continuity and stability.
Kgotle joined MBSA in 2017, and the company said he had made a meaningful contribution to MBSA, its employees and stakeholders over the past eight years.
Kgotle currently serves as executive director for human resources and corporate affairs.
