by New Head of Mercedes-AMG
Mercedes-AMG has found a new leader, and this choice clearly indicates the brand’s future strategic course. Starting July 1, 2026, the CEO of AMG will be Stefan Weckbach, a former Porsche top manager with extensive experience in electric vehicle development. He will also head the Mercedes-Benz Group’s Top End Vehicle division.
Experience of the Future CEO
Who is Stefan Weckbach? Before moving to the Volkswagen Group’s strategy department in 2023, he held key product positions at Porsche for many years. Weckbach was one of the key engineers behind the creation of the Taycan electric car and also participated in the development of the new electric Cayenne this year.
In other words, AMG has hired a person who helped Porsche succeed in creating high-performance electric vehicles. This is happening at the very moment when the company from Affalterbach itself is making a big bet on electrification.
Tasks of the New Leader
The Mercedes management is, of course, full of enthusiasm. According to CTO Jörg Burzer, Weckbach combines deep product knowledge with strategic thinking and experience in the performance and luxury segments. These qualities will be very much needed, as he faces many tasks.
AMG is already deeply involved in developing a special four-door electric sports car, seen as a response to the Porsche Taycan. Having a leader who knows exactly what made the Porsche sports sedan successful, as well as where the compromises were, is extremely convenient.
Another key task will be the future electric flagship SUV, which is set to become an important part of AMG’s future model lineup as the brand enters the market for high-margin, globally appealing performance electric vehicles.
Less visible but no less critical will be Weckbach’s responsibilities for overseeing smaller AMG models like the CLA, GLA, and GLB, which are transitioning to hybrid and electric technologies but still must live up to the AMG status.
Challenges for the Brand
Another difficult problem for AMG remains the C63 S E Performance model. Although key decisions regarding it will likely be made before Weckbach officially takes office. This plug-in hybrid with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine may be technically impressive, but brand fans are not voting with their wallets in its favor.
The 2026 facelift is expected to introduce an inline-six, signaling that AMG hasn’t completely forgotten why people fell in love with this brand. It is also reported that the company is working on a new flat-plane crankshaft V8, which they would like to see in future C63 versions.
Until Weckbach officially assumes the position, the current head of AMG, Michael Schiebe, will continue to serve as acting CEO.
This appointment takes place during a period of transformation for the entire automotive world, where traditional values, such as powerful internal combustion engines, are gradually giving way to new technologies. Weckbach’s success will depend on his ability to find a balance between the innovations dictated by the future and the emotional component that has always defined the spirit of AMG. His experience at Porsche, a brand that managed to preserve its sporting identity during the transition to electricity, may prove to be the most valuable asset for Mercedes-AMG in the coming years.
