Trowell steps down as Hedin MD after two decades with Mercedes-Benz

Stephen Trowell is bowing out as managing director of Hedin Automotive London.

Trowell was charged with heading up four Mercedes-Benz dealerships in April 2023 after the Swedish dealer group bought from Mercedes-Benz Retail Group in late 2022 in an effort to expand its core brand.

“It is with a heavy heart that I will be leaving my role as managing director of Hedin Automotive on 31 July 2024,” he wrote on LinkedIn.

“I have worked for Mercedes-Benz for 20 years and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together during that time,” he added. “I have had the opportunity to work with so many inspirational people who have motivated me to perform to my best and helped to shape my professional character.”

Before joining Hedin, he was market area director for the Mercedes-Benz Retail Group following various sales director and general manager roles within Mercedes-Benz Retail Group dealerships.

The acquisition of the four franchise points which are based in the South London market area at Brooklands, Dartford, Croydon, and West Bromley, represented Hedin’s first fully owned operation in the UK.

It was a move that also signalled OEM-owned MBRG’s exit from the car retail sector following a series of disposals, ahead of the German brand’s adoption of an agency model retail strategy in 2023.

Anders Hedin, its founder and CEO, said the business was targeting Europe’s second largest car market and that its acquisition helped establish a strong foothold for growth.

Hedin sells Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, light commercial vehicles and trucks in seven European markets from more than 60 Mercedes-Benz sales points. Hedin also owns BMW and Mini businesses in the UK.

Hedin currently operates 270 dealerships across 13 countries, representing 44 brands,  employing more than 8,000 staff. The acquisition of four UK dealerships in London increased its headcount by around 360.

“I would love to highlight everyone that has supported me throughout my time with Mercedes-Benz," said Trowell, "but there are so many to mention and I would hate to miss someone, hopefully you all know who you are – and to you I am forever grateful,” said Trowell, whose future plans are unknown.

“I will miss working with everyone in the Mercedes-Benz community immensely and wish you all every success in the future.”