SMALL BUT MIGHTY

AS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MERCEDES-BENZ VANS AUSTRALIA/PACIFIC, DIANE TARR LEADS A TEAM CARRYING THE FULL WEIGHT OF EXPECTATION FROM CLIENTS IN A TOUGH MARKET.

- STEVE CROWE

IN FOCUS

NAME: Diane Tarr

COMPANY: Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia/Pacific

POSITION: Managing Director

LOCATION: Melbourne, Australia

Variety may be the spice of life, but it can also be the grounds for real dedication to a career that offers both diversity and prospects. Diane Tarr has enjoyed both as she followed her intuition to take on roles outside the norm. Now, as Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Vans in Australia/Pacific, she has found her niche.

Diane has worked with Mercedes-Benz for more than 22 years, first in South Africa before moving to Australia. After working in the advertising industry with her marketing degree in South Africa, she moved into the construction industry in corporate sales and marketing roles. Some time later, a recruiter asked her to join Mercedes-Benz and she accepted the offer.

“Maybe they thought if I can cut it in the construction industry I can cut it in the automotive industry too,” Diane says with a laugh. “An opportunity came up in 2004 while I was at Mercedes-Benz South Africa for a position in Australia, so I took that opportunity and I’ve been here ever since. The roles I’ve had at Mercedes-Benz have been quite varied, which is great – hence, my 22 years with the company.”