While browsing Autoblog this balmy July morning I ran across this story taken from Automotive News, in which it is being reported that Paul Halata, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, will step down from his position on September 1st of this year.  Halata, who renewed his contract with Mercedes a year ago and was scheduled to stay through 2009, is said to be retiring.

Replacing Halata will be Ernst Lieb, CEO of DaimlerChrysler Australia/Pacific.  Lieb began work with company, specifically Mercedes-Benz Canada, in 1985, and ten years later was named the division's CEO.  In 2003, Lieb then took over a new role as CEO of DaimlerChrysler Australia/Pacific, in which he ran sales of Mercedes, Jeep and Dodge brands along with DaimlerChrysler's truck division.

As MBUSA's new CEO, Lieb's responsibilities will include the sales, marketing and service of Mercedes-Benz and Maybach brands, along with the usual parts and accessories services.

For more info, you can view the full article over at Automotive News; a free subscription is required, however, so if you don't feel like filling out any forms, don't waste your time.