I was shocked to learn of Dr Klaus Schmidt's sudden and unexpected death on Wednesday last week. Dr Schmidt sponsored and supported a concept I originated for the new Mercedes-Benz positioning. It was a daring concept, one which had the potential to re-establish leadership status to the troubled Mercedes-Benz brand. I expected it to be a career defining piece of work and will always remember Dr Schmidt as recognising the opportunity for it to be a pioneering result from Henrion Ludlow Schmidt.

My condolences go to Dr Schmidt's family, friends and work colleagues.