Mercedes-Benz just shared some big leadership changes today. Part of this shake-up is because Markus Schäfer, the company’s current Chief Technology Officer, is retiring. His role will be taken over by Jörg Burzer, who’s stepping away from his current position on the board that oversees production, quality, and supply chain operations.

Taking Burzer’s place is Michael Schiebe — and here’s where things get interesting. Schiebe is moving on from his job as CEO of Mercedes-AMG and the Top-End Vehicle Group, opening the door for new leadership in those high-performance divisions.

2024 Mercedes-AMG SL63 exterior front 3/4
2024 Mercedes-AMG SL63 exterior 

So, who’s stepping into the top job at AMG? For now, no one. Mercedes says the new head “will be announced at a later date.” It’s unclear whether the company already has someone lined up but isn’t ready to share the news yet, or if they’re still searching for the right person.

Whoever gets the role will be taking charge at a very interesting moment for AMG, with plenty of big changes and new opportunities on the horizon.

Mercedes-AMG C63 (3)
2025 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance

Schiebe Wasn’t At AMG Long

Schiebe stepped into the top role at AMG in March 2023, which means he’s been leading the performance division for just over two years. But his history with Mercedes goes much further back — he’s been part of the company in various roles since 2004. He took charge of AMG shortly after the debut of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance, a model that didn’t receive the warmest welcome. In fact, he admitted that switching to a four-cylinder engine cost them some loyal customers.

Still, under his leadership, AMG’s iconic V8 engines have been given a new lease on life. Earlier this year, the brand confirmed that more eight-cylinder powertrains are on the way, showing that the classic muscle side of AMG isn’t going anywhere just yet.

At the same time, AMG hasn’t ignored the shift to electrification. The AMG GT XX concept is a preview of the brand’s future EV tech, offering not only jaw-dropping performance but also ultra-fast charging capabilities. With a claimed 850-kW charging speed — one of the fastest we’ve seen outside of BYD — AMG is clearly serious about its electric future.

Schiebe also left a memorable impression with how he described the brand’s identity. He once compared AMG to Batman rather than Superman, adding, “We want to be the dangerous son-in-law.” That bold attitude has defined much of his approach to leading the brand.

Mercedes Concept AMG GT XX EV Endurance Record_013
Press image of Mercedes-Benz breaking EV Endurance record with Concept AMG GT XX

The Future Of AMG Will Be Interesting

Like many automakers, AMG now faces the tricky challenge of balancing its lineup between traditional engines and electric powertrains. With EV demand growing more slowly than expected — and some governments even thinking about easing emissions rules — there’s more room than before to keep combustion models in the mix.

Schiebe has already been part of this shift. Under his leadership, AMG announced plans for new V8 engines, and he even said that, at least in the U.S., there’s no clear end in sight for the V8. In fact, the upcoming AMG CLE is widely expected to feature one of these new eight-cylinder powerplants, showing that the brand isn’t ready to give up on raw engine power just yet.

Mercedes Concept AMG GT XX EV Endurance Record_015
Press image of Mercedes-Benz breaking EV Endurance record with Concept AMG GT XX

Of course, neither AMG nor Mercedes can afford to slow down on EV development — especially with Chinese automakers rapidly advancing the technology. The new platform showcased in the GT XX concept shows that AMG is well-positioned for the near future, but the company can’t afford to sit back and relax.

Whoever steps into Schiebe’s shoes will have their work cut out for them, ensuring AMG strikes the right balance between what today’s drivers want and what tomorrow’s market will demand.