MAHLE Names Christian Karner New General Manager – NA Lifecycle & Mobility

Christian Karner has been promoted to general manager of MAHLE Lifecycle and Mobility, replacing Eduardo Spilla, who is assuming a new position within the company as vice president sales engineering OE for South America.

In his new role, Karner will assume management responsibilities for all MAHLE Lifecycle and Mobility operations in North America, from sales and marketing to business processes and manufacturing, helping drive growth of the MAHLE, CLEVITE and BEHR brands across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, according to a press release announcing the promotion.

Reporting to Philipp Grosse Kleimann, global head of MAHLE Lifecycle and Mobility, Karner and his team will work closely with customers, industry stakeholders and members of the MAHLE leadership team to deliver effective commercial, operational and business strategies, the release stated.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity to lead the MAHLE Lifecycle and Mobility team in North America and to work alongside such a talented group of individuals,” said Karner. “Together, we will continue to strengthen the MAHLE, CLEVITE and BEHR brands by staying close to our customers, leveraging market insights and executing strategies that drive sustainable growth. A staple in the aftermarket industry for over 100 years, MAHLE products and service solutions  continue to set the benchmark for quality, excellence and innovation. I look forward to utilizing my skills and background to continue to lead the organization with a clear focus on value creation and connection to our customers.”

Karner joined MAHLE in August 2025 as head of commercial, lifecycle and mobility in North America. Prior to joining MAHLE, he held a variety of executive roles within the automotive aftermarket, including vice president of sales North America at Gates Corporation; vice president of sales China at MANN+HUMMEL and head of business unit/spark plugs, Asia Pacific for BOSCH.