Andrew Johnson to Succeed Jörg Howe as Daimler Truck’s Global Communications & External Affairs Head from 2026
Daimler Truck has announced a significant leadership transition in its communications and external affairs department. Effective January 1, 2026, Andrew “Andy” Johnson, currently serving as Head of Corporate Communications at Daimler Truck North America (DTNA), will step into the role of Head of Global Communications & External Affairs, succeeding longtime executive Jörg Howe, who is set to retire at the end of this year after a distinguished career spanning nearly five decades.
Andy Johnson’s Path from Factory Floor to Global Leadership
Andy Johnson, 53, is no stranger to Daimler Truck. His journey with the company began more than three decades ago, in 1991, when he worked at the Portland truck manufacturing plant during his university studies. After completing his degree in Business Administration with a focus on Advertising and Marketing, Johnson formally joined Daimler Truck North America, starting in the warranty department before advancing to the role of marketing specialist.
Over the years, Johnson steadily built a reputation as a strong leader and communications strategist. He held multiple leadership roles, notably as Communications and Brand Manager for Freightliner and Western Star, two of Daimler Truck’s most recognized brands in North America. Since 2021, Johnson has been responsible for overseeing Corporate Communications across the North American region, where he has helped shape the company’s narrative and brand positioning during a period of significant industry transformation driven by electrification, connectivity, and autonomous technology.
Leadership Endorsements
Karin Rådström, CEO of Daimler Truck, emphasized Johnson’s suitability for the global role. “With Andy, we gain a highly passionate and inspiring leader with extensive expertise in communications and a proven track record in our strategically important North American market,” she stated. “His deep industry knowledge, international perspective, and commitment to strong collaboration make him the ideal choice at the right time to further strengthen our culture at Daimler Truck and drive our reputation forward worldwide.”
Rådström’s remarks reflect Daimler Truck’s recognition of Johnson’s contributions in enhancing visibility, building trust among stakeholders, and supporting corporate transformation.
Responsibilities in the New Role
As Head of Global Communications & External Affairs, Johnson will take on responsibility for shaping Daimler Truck’s worldwide communications approach. His mandate will include developing strategies that advance the company’s reputation, deepening stakeholder engagement, and ensuring close alignment with broader business objectives. He will oversee internal and external communications across multiple regions, ensuring consistent messaging that reflects Daimler Truck’s brand values and ambitions.
Johnson is also expected to lead initiatives that reinforce Daimler Truck’s dedication to transparency, inclusivity, and corporate responsibility. His work will be instrumental in presenting Daimler Truck as not only a leader in the commercial vehicle industry but also as a company committed to sustainable innovation and social impact.
A Distinguished Career Comes to a Close: Jörg Howe’s Retirement
Johnson succeeds Jörg Howe, who will retire at the end of 2025 after serving as Daimler Truck’s Head of Global Communications & External Affairs since 2021. Howe, 68, has had a career marked by high-profile roles in journalism and corporate communications.
Before joining Daimler, Howe worked as a freelance journalist for the German broadcaster ARD and served as a correspondent for the dpa newswire. His media career also included prominent leadership positions, including Editorial Director, Editor-in-Chief, and Managing Director at Sat.1, as well as Managing Director of the news channel N24.
In 2004, Howe transitioned into corporate communications by taking over at KarstadtQuelle/Arcandor. Four years later, in 2008, he was appointed to lead Global Communications at Daimler AG, a role in which he helped guide the company’s public image through periods of transformation and challenge. Following the spin-off that created Daimler Truck as a standalone company in 2021, Howe became Head of Global Communications & External Affairs at Daimler Truck.
Karin Rådström expressed gratitude for Howe’s contributions: “On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to thank Jörg for his dedication and his invaluable contribution to Daimler Truck over the past years. With his passion for communication, he has strengthened Daimler Truck’s reputation and supported our organization through pivotal changes. We wish Jörg all the best for this new chapter in his life.”
