Jim Walenczak is an experienced commercial vehicle executive and currently serves as President of DAF Trucks N.V., a leading European manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks and part of the PACCAR Group. He assumed the role on July 1, 2026, succeeding Harald Seidel.
Jim Walenczak has spent more than 15 years with PACCAR, building extensive experience across truck sales, marketing, operations and commercial vehicle management. Before joining DAF, he served as Vice President of PACCAR Inc and General Manager of Kenworth Truck Company, where he was responsible for one of PACCAR’s leading truck brands.
His career at PACCAR began in 2011 as Fleet Sales Manager at Kenworth, followed by roles including Region Sales Manager, General Sales Manager, Assistant General Manager for Sales & Marketing at Kenworth, and Assistant General Manager for Operations at PACCAR Parts. This progression gave him broad exposure to customer relationships, commercial operations, sales strategy and aftermarket services.
Jim Walenczak holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Michigan State University, an MBA from the University of Washington, and has also completed the Stanford Executive Program. His combination of business education and extensive commercial vehicle experience has shaped his leadership approach across PACCAR’s global operations.
As President of DAF Trucks, Jim Walenczak is leading the company at an important stage in the transformation of the commercial vehicle industry. DAF is expanding its portfolio of electric trucks and zero-emission transportation solutions, while continuing to focus on efficiency, driver comfort, product quality and customer value.
His leadership comes as DAF strengthens its position in the European truck market and advances its transition toward electric mobility, sustainable transportation and next-generation commercial vehicles. In 2026, DAF’s New Generation XD Electric and XF Electric were recognised as International Truck of the Year 2026, highlighting the company’s progress in zero-emission truck technology.
With extensive experience across Kenworth, PACCAR Parts and DAF Trucks, Jim Walenczak brings a strong combination of commercial vehicle expertise, sales leadership, customer focus and operational experience to his role. His leadership is set to play an important role in shaping DAF’s growth and response to the evolving global transportation industry.
