DTNA Taps Joanna Buttler as General Manager, Product Strategy and Market Development
Most recently, Buttler served as head of DTNA’s Global Autonomous Technology Group, where she set the global autonomous technology strategy for Daimler Truck.

Joanna Buttler began her career at DTNA in 2006 as a Marketing Analyst and Sales Support Specialist focused on Detroit powertrain.
Photo: DTNA/Canva
Daimler Truck North America has announced the appointment of Joanna Buttler as General Manager, product strategy and market development.
In her new role, Joanna will oversee the development of DTNA’s product portfolio, both short and long-term.
Buttler will also spearhead all go-to-market activities.
Her responsibilities will include product marketing, brand communications, sales training, and digital sales tools.
Joanna’s team represents the Freightliner, Western Star, and Detroit brands.
She will report directly to David Carson, senior vice president, sales and marketing and member of DTNA’s Operating Committee.
Autonomous Expertise
Joanna brings nearly 20 years of experience with Daimler Truck to her new position, according to a DTNA press announcement.
She began her career in 2006 as a Marketing Analyst and Sales Support Specialist focused on Detroit powertrain.
Her journey within the company includes roles such as project controller, manager of IT Controlling, and support manager for Martin Daum, former president and CEO of DTNA.
With Martin’s promotion to CEO of Daimler Truck and Buses in 2017, Joanna became chief of staff, followed by her appointment into strategic executive roles within the Autonomous Technology Group.
Most recently, Joanna served as head of the Global Autonomous Technology Group, where she significantly impacted the autonomous vehicle industry. She set the global autonomous technology strategy for Daimler Truck, leading the post-merger integration within Torc Robotics, the autonomous-ready Cascadia program and key strategic partnerships.
According to DTNA, her efforts have been instrumental in forming strong partnerships and leading innovation programs within the transportation industry.
“Joanna’s extensive experience and proven leadership make her the ideal leader to drive our product strategy and market development forward," Carson said. "Her innovative approach and dedication to excellence will continue to strengthen our position in the industry.”
Daimler Truck will continue to progress along its autonomous roadmap, with a succession plan to be announced in the near future.
More Fleet Management

What the U.S.-Canada Trade War Means for Trucking
Escalating U.S.-Canada tariffs could disrupt cross-border freight, reduce truck volumes, raise costs, and create new uncertainty for carriers on both sides of the border.
Read More →
What Are Trucking’s Top Concerns for 2026?
The American Transportation Research Institute wants to know what's worrying trucking fleet managers, drivers, and other stakeholders in its annual Industry Issues survey.
Read More →
American Trucking Associations Looks for a New Leader
ATA President and CEO Chris Spear abruptly left his job at the association on August 21, at a pivotal time for the trucking industry.
Read More →
Public Wi-Fi Cybersecurity Risks: How Truck Drivers and Fleets Can Protect Their Data
Public Wi-Fi can expose truck drivers and fleets to credential theft, malware, and other cyber threats. Here’s how to reduce the risk on the road.
Read More →
For Nicky Cupp, Fleet Innovation Starts With Frustration
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Nicky Cupp turns everyday pain points at Fraley & Schilling into opportunities for better technology and smarter processes.
Read More →
Adam Buttgenbach’s Approach to Electric Trucks: Start With Where They Fit
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Adam Buttgenbach helped PepsiCo build one of North America’s largest EV fleets by focusing on where electric trucks make operational sense.
Read More →
Deen Albert: Let Automation Do the Math, People Make the Decisions
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Deen Albert makes sure people are still at the heart of operations at Grand Island Express, even while adopting artificial intelligence tools. AI-assisted dispatch helped boost revenue 25% with the same number of trucks.
Read More →Trimble’s New AI Agent Takes Aim at Fleet Back-Office Busywork
Arc Agent works across Trimble TMS products to automate repetitive tasks such as freight orders, maintenance, invoices, fuel costs and more.
Read More →
How HDT’s 2026 Truck Fleet Innovators Are Rethinking Fleet Operations
Meet five trucking leaders who are challenging assumptions, solving operational problems, and putting innovative ideas to work.
Read More →
Tight Trucking Capacity Pushes Rates Higher Even as Freight Volumes Fall
“Spot rates moving ahead of contract rates have historically signaled a tightening market, but we haven’t seen a capacity-driven market quite like this one,” said DAT's Dean Croke.
Read More →
