Gerhard Prinz first works in a law firm after taking his second state law examination. In 1960, Prinz becomes the personal assistant to the spokesman of the Board of Management of Klöckner-Werke AG in Duisburg and afterwards becomes an executive at the German Brown, Boveri & Cie. AG in Mannheim until 1967.
From there, he goes on to Volkswagen AG and he is a member of the Board of Management there until 1973, responsible for all domestic and foreign subsidiaries and affiliates. At the same time, he holds the position of Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi NSU Auto-Union AG during the years 1972/73. Dr. Gerhard Prinz is appointed to the Board of Management of Daimler-Benz AG on 1 January 1974, and assumes responsibility for materials management. In January 1980, he is appointed Chairman of the Board of Management. In addition, until his sudden death in October 1983, Dr. Prinz is a member of the Foreign Trade Advisory Board of the Federal Minister of Economic Affairs, member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of German Industry and member of the Board of Directors of the Association of the German Automobile Industry.