PORTLAND, Ore. — Freightliner has bolstered its management team with the addition of Michael E. Delaney to its executive committee.

Delaney now holds the position of senior vice-president of marketing and will assume responsibility for the development of the Freightliner, Sterling and Western Star truck brands. He will also contribute to the efforts of Detroit Diesel, Thomas Built, Freightliner Custom Chassis and American LaFrance business units.

“Michael Delaney is an experienced transportation marketing executive with a track record of creativity and results,” Freightliner president and CEO, Chris Patterson said. “We are very pleased to welcome him to the Freightliner organization and we look forward to his stewardship of our diverse stable of brands and products.”

Meanwhile, John Merrifield, formerly senior vice-president, Sterling and Western Star Trucks will now become senior vice-president, distribution for the Freightliner group. Merrifield will now oversee the development of the company’s network of independently-owned dealerships.

“John Merrifield has served the automotive industry with distinction in a career that has spanned five decades,” Patterson said. “He is among the industry’s most respected leaders, and is held in particularly high regard for his work with the independent entrepreneurs who form the link between manufacturers and their ultimate customers.”

Mark Lampert, senior vice-president, Freightliner Trucks is taking on additional responsibilities including developing sales for Sterling and Western Star as well as Detroit Diesel.

“All three of our truck business nameplates have tremendous opportunities to increase market participation in the years ahead, while the Detroit Diesel and Mercedes-Benz engine brands have already grown to represent the largest share of the group’s truck production in recent times,” Patterson said. “Mark Lampert’s considerable experience in growing the Freightliner Trucks business to its leading position in the NAFTA truck market will be brought to bear in building all three brands to leadership positions in the market segments they serve. In addition, Mark will focus on building the DaimlerChrysler components business in the NAFTA region to become recognized leaders in their competitive forum as well.”