Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA LLC announced that Mary Hughes has been appointed Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services, overseeing Human Resources strategy and operations for the company's Americas Region, which includes the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. In addition, Bobbye Sweat joins Mercedes-Benz Financial Services as the Diversity and Inclusion Manager, a newly created role supporting the company's U.S. Operations.
Hughes is a member of the company's regional executive team and the human resources global leadership team. Previously, she was a Senior Manager of Human Resources, responsible for human resources operations at all Americas region-based locations.
Hughes joined the company in 1998 as a Strategic Business Analyst. She has held several positions of leadership during her career, including: Senior Manager of Brand Controlling; Senior Manager of Business Integration and Excellence; Senior Manager of Client Services and Senior Manager of Operations in Canada. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics from Lake Superior State University in Sault Sainte Marie, Mich.
"Having served in leadership roles in many core functions within our business, Mary brings a deep understanding of our organization to her new role," said Peter Zieringer, President and CEO. "With her depth of experience and strategic mindset, I am confident that she will do an outstanding job leading the human resources strategy for the Americas Region."
Sweat, a native of Dallas, brings eight years of diversity and inclusion leadership experience to Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. In her previous role, she was the Senior Manager of Diversity and Inclusion with J.C. Penney Co. Prior to that, she was the Associate Director of Diversity and Inclusion with AT&T Inc. Sweat holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff, Ark. and a Master of Business Administration from City University in Washington in Seattle. She is also a Certified Diversity Professional, earning her certificate from DTUI.com in California.
"Cultivating a culture of empowerment and inclusion is one of our core values and has been a long-time focus for our company," added Zieringer. "Bobbye brings a wealth of experience to this new role, which will enable us to further expand our strategic focus on diversity and inclusion to continue to enhance our workplace, attract and retain top talent, and leverage broad perspectives to best serve the needs of our diverse dealer and customer base."