Emrah Özer, CFO India, Mercedes-BenzEmrah Özer has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of Mercedes-Benz Indiaeffective January 1, 2025. He replaces Evren Cakabeywho is now the Executive Director & CFO of Mercedes-Benz G GmbH in Austria. Özer will also join the Board of Mercedes-Benz India as Executive Director. This organizational shift brings Özer from his current role as Member of the Board of Management and Head of Finance & Controlling at Mercedes-Benz Automotive Turkey.
Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, said “We are excited to welcome Emrah Özer to Mercedes-Benz India as the Chief Financial Officer and benefit from his rich expertise in managing International Finance, business modeling and investor relations. We are confident, Emrah with his diverse international financial experience and proven track record, will continue Mercedes-Benz’s growth momentum in India.”
Iyer also acknowledged Cakabey’s contributions to Mercedes-Benz India, praising her leadership during challenging market conditions. He specifically mentioned her role in the company’s growth strategy, electric vehicle strategy, localization efforts, and ensuring financial stability for the “direct to customer” retail model. Cakabey’s focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives was also noted.
“We also thank Evren Cakabey for her extraordinary contribution towards Mercedes-Benz India’s profitable growth, amidst adverse market challenges and economic headwinds. Evren played a key role in steering the growth strategy for the Indian market, evolving our EV strategy, and developing localization strategies with cost efficiency targets. She had been instrumental in ensuring financial stability for Mercedes-Benz India’s ‘direct to customer’ business model (Retail of the Future). A thorough people person, Evren spearheaded Mercedes-Benz India’s Diversity & Inclusion initiatives with focused project steering. Her financial acumen and insights, strategic leadership and people orientation are highly valued by our employees, and we all wish Evren continued success in her new role at Mercedes-Benz G GmbH, Austria,” he added.
Experience
Özer brings extensive experience from his work at Mercedes-Benz Otomotiv Turkey, where he managed relationships with banks, governments, and investors. His career includes various finance and controlling roles at Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Benz AG, and smart, with responsibilities for India and NAFTA.
In 2012, he became Head of Product Controlling for the smart product group. By 2016, he transitioned to Mercedes-Benz Türk in Istanbul, playing a key role in strengthening the company’s financial performance. His leadership contributed significantly to the company’s shift towards profitability.
Education qualifications
Özer holds a Master’s Diploma in Economics from the University of Wilhelmshaven, Germany. He began his career in 2002 at the Finance & Controlling department of smart GmbH in Stuttgart. In 2008, he assumed the role of Head of Project Controlling for India & NAFTA.
