Mercedes-Benz USA Appoints Nicolette Lambrechts as Vice President of Customer Services

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 4, 2025--

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today announced the appointment of Nicolette Lambrechts as Vice President of Customer Services, succeeding Jee-Sop Kim, effective November 1, 2025. Lambrechts will join the MBUSA executive team in Atlanta, Georgia.

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“We are pleased to welcome Nicolette back to the North American leadership team. Her global perspective, extensive experience with the brand and proven leadership acumen positions her well to further elevate the customer experience and strengthen connections with our dealer network and customers throughout the ownership journey.”

-Adam Chamberlain, President & CEO Mercedes-Benz USA

Nicolette Lambrechts joined Mercedes-Benz South Africa in 2001 as a Graduate Trainee. In 2002, she took over the position as sales planner for Chrysler Jeep and was promoted in 2004 to distribution and logistics manager for commercial vehicles. Between 2008 and 2014, Lambrechts held key leadership positions as the National Sales Manager and Brand Manager for Mercedes-Benz Vans in South Africa.

In 2014, Nicolette was appointed Managing Director of the Vans Division for Mercedes-Benz South Africa, and in 2017 she became Managing Director of Vans for Mercedes-Benz Canada. From there, Nicolette joined the MBUSA Vans team in 2019 as General Manager, Sales, and was subsequently appointed to the role of Managing Director of Vans for MBUSA in 2021.

In May 2023, Nicolette transitioned to Mercedes-Benz global headquarters in Stuttgart as the Head of Region Overseas for Mercedes-Benz Vans. Since July 1, 2024, Nicolette served as Head of Vans Global Sales and Marketing Operations.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 18 model lines ranging from the sporty GLA SUV to the flagship S-Class and the dynamic all-electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com. To learn more about all Mercedes-Benz entities in North America, visit https://group.mercedes-benz.com/northamerica/.

Accredited journalists can visit our media site at media.mbusa.com.

Nicolette Lambrechts Vice President of Customer Services

KOHALA, Hawai‘i--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 15, 2026--

Kuleana Rum Works, the Hawai‘i-based distillery known for its additive-free, award-winning rums, today announced the release of “An Open Letter on Additive-Free Rum,” written by Founder & CEO Steve Jefferson, addressing why rum is now facing the same scrutiny and market shift that reshaped tequila a decade ago.

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Consumers across spirits are demanding more honesty about how products are made. Additive-free labeling has already transformed tequila and is reshaping whiskey and RTDs. Drinkers now expect producers to protect natural flavor instead of masking it, and bartenders increasingly use transparency as a measure of quality. The letter positions rum as the next category entering this accountability cycle, as more consumers begin to question undisclosed sweeteners, flavorings and added color.

Tequila provides the clearest precedent. Producers who embraced additive-free methods helped premiumize the category, while brands relying on undisclosed additives now face growing skepticism. According to the letter, rum is approaching the same turning point. Jefferson explains that Kuleana Rum Works was founded on additive-free principles: growing heirloom Hawaiian kō (sugarcane), fermenting and distilling fresh juice at lower proof to preserve natural character, adding nothing after distillation and holding all blending partners to the same standards. Every rum — whether distilled in Hawai‘i or sourced — is verified additive-free through independent lab testing and supplier documentation.

“Consumer expectations are changing fast across spirits,” said Steve Jefferson, Founder and CEO of Kuleana Rum Works. “People want honesty in what they drink, and they’re rewarding producers who protect natural flavor rather than covering it up. Additive-free isn’t a trend — it’s becoming the standard, and rum is now facing that shift head-on.”

Additional detail in the letter underscores how production choices such as fresh juice fermentation, low-proof distillation and a strict no-additives policy create transparency and flavor integrity that align with what the market is valuing.

About Kuleana Rum Works

Founded on the island of Hawai‘i in 2013, Kuleana Rum Works crafts award-winning, additive-free rums — led by its signature Hawaiian Rum Agricole® — from fresh kō (heirloom Hawaiian sugarcane) grown on its regenerative Kohala farm. Now available in 17 states and Japan, Kuleana Rum Works champions excellence, transparency and community stewardship. Visit kuleanarum.com to learn more.

https://kuleanarum.com/additive-free/