Daimler Trucks North America has announced that David Carson, current president of Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, has been appointed president of Western Star Trucks and chief diversity officer of DTNA.

Carson succeeds Kelley Platt in the role, who has been promoted within Daimler AG global to president and CEO of Daimler’s Chinese truck joint venture, Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive.

“While we will miss Kelley's leadership and her significant contributions as a member of the Daimler Trucks North America operating committee, we are confident that David's dedication and proven track record as a leader position him well as the new leader of Western Star as we look to the future for the vocational truck brand,” said Roger Nielsen, president and CEO, Daimler Trucks North America.

In his role leading the Western Star team and the strategic direction for the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, Carson will become a member of the company’s operating committee. He was appointed president of FCCC in 2015, where he oversaw engineering, operations, and sales and marketing for DTNA’s chassis business.

In her new role leading Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive, Kelley will report to Sven Ennerst, Truck Board Member for Procurement, R&D, and newly appointed for China. Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive is a 50:50 joint venture of Daimler and Chinese manufacturer Beiqi Foton Motor Company to produce medium- and heavy-duty trucks under the Auman brand.

“Kelley's leadership and dedication to our customers and to continuously improve will continue to be integrated into our company as we move forward,” said Nielsen. “We wish her the best of luck in China where she will bring a wealth of experience with her.”