Following 10 years of exceptional service, Daimler Trucks North America announced that Michael Jackson, general manager of Western Star Truck Sales Inc., will retire March 31.
Jackson joined DTNA in 2005 as the general manager marketing and controlling. Since taking over as general manager of Western Star in 2009, Michael has transformed the Western Star brand and distinguished himself through numerous successful product launches including the new Western Star 5700XE, according to Western Star.
“The Western Star is a brand on the rise, and that is a tribute to the people who have dedicated themselves to providing a superior truck to our customers. I take great pride in being a part of Western Star’s success,” said Michael Jackson. “Working for Daimler Trucks North America has been an important part of my life, professionally and personally. I am pleased to retire and leave the Western Star brand in the capable hands of my successor Kelley Platt.”
“Michael has been instrumental to the success of the Western Star brand,” said Martin Daum, president and chief executive officer, Daimler Trucks North America. “We wish Michael the very best in his future endeavors, and we have the utmost confidence in Kelley Platt and her ability to keep Western Star’s momentum going.”
Kelley Platt (pictured above) will assume the position of general manager, Western Star, effective April 1. Platt joined DTNA in 1989 as Freightliner manager of treasury services and played a crucial role in the company’s acquisition of both Western Star and Thomas Built Buses where she most recently served as president and chief executive officer.
“Kelley has distinguished herself through her exceptional leadership of Thomas Built Buses and their present undisputed market leadership,” said Daum. “Her decisive leadership skills and depth of experience across the Daimler Trucks North America organization positions her well for success at Western Star.”
Before taking over as president and chief executive officer of TBB, Platt served as general manager of business excellence, a position she started in 2006. Platt received her bachelor’s degree in economics from Colby College and her MBA from Duke University.
“I am excited by the opportunity to lead Western Star and look forward to exceeding each and every customers’ expectations,” said Platt. “The Western Star team is passionate about everything they do, and it is my pledge to continue to inspire them to deliver the industry’s most innovative, tough-as-nails trucks that is synonymous with Western Star.”
Platt will be relocating to the Portland, Ore., area and will oversee Western Star’s initiatives from Daimler Trucks North America’s corporate headquarters on Swan Island.
For more information on Western Star, visit the company’s website.
