Daimler Trucks North America has appointed Kary Schaefer as its general manager, marketing and strategy, the company has announced.

Schaefer will lead the Freightliner Trucks and Detroit marketing organizations in launching upcoming products, steering product strategy requirements and implementing customer and dealer satisfaction initiatives.  Her most recent position at DTNA was general manager of the Enhanced Platform program for vocational products and she will continue to manage that program.

Schaefer joined DTNA in 1995 as a design engineer holding several positions through 2008 when she was named chief engineer, leading the cab engineering department.

She oversaw the cab systems development for the Freightliner Argosy, Evolution, 108SD and 114SD and the Western Star 4700 as well as the new Western Star interior used across that brand's entire product line.

Prior to DTNA, Schaefer held leadership positions with Boeing, Pacific Testing Laboratories, Abossein Engineering and Cloud Cap Technologies.

“Kary’s proven experience is perfectly aligned with our organizational vision to maintain our leadership position through innovation and product achievement,” said Richard Howard, senior vice president, sales and marketing for DTNA. “Kary’s keen understanding of our industry, business and products will be instrumental to delivering our message our dealers and customers.”