Mr Von Sanden was CEO and managing director of Mercedes-Benz Cars for the Australia/Pacific region for seven years until his retirement in December 2020.

He was also chairperson of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries for two years, since 2018 until his retirement.

Prior to his appointment as CEO of Mercedes-Benz, he had been the brand’s managing director in Australia since 2003.

Mr Von Sanden came to Australia in 2000 from his Stuttgart-based position as general manager of global advertising for Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Announcing his new position at Deloitte, Mr Von Sanden said: “In a period of the biggest transformation in the automotive industry since the invention of the automobile, I am thrilled that I can continue to play my part.”

Mr Von Sanden will continue to be based in Melbourne.

By Neil Dowling