Obituary: Edzard Reuter.

After holding positions at Universum Film AG and the Bertelsmann Group, the law graduate Edzard Reuter joined Daimler-Benz AG in 1964. After being appointed deputy member of the Board of Management in 1973, Reuter was given a full seat on the Board of Management in 1976. From 1980, he took over the Finance and Business Administration department. From 1987, he was Deputy Chairman of the Board of Management, and in September of the same year he became Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler-Benz AG until May 1995.

Reuter's tenure as Chairman was marked by the formation of a diversified Daimler-Benz AG, which he shaped through numerous acquisitions and company takeovers. His vision was to create an ‘integrated technology group’ to better respond to economic fluctuations. Edzard Reuter pursued this goal passionately and creatively, always aiming for entrepreneurial success with clever ideas and a sharp mind. He consistently inspired his teams with his plans.

Edzard Reuter was a gifted leader and visionary who, in addition to his contributions to Daimler-Benz AG, promoted social cohesion in Germany through his charitable activities. He remained passionately committed to this mission through the ‘Helga and Edzard Reuter Foundation’ until the very end. With the death of Edzard Reuter, Mercedes-Benz has lost an outstanding personality in its corporate history. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones.