As Chief Product Officer, Nils Schanz leads Cerence’s core mobility products, leading its digital cabin strategy, product portfolio, and customer delivery across the company’s global operations. A respected and accomplished automotive and AI technology leader, Nils joined Cerence from Mercedes-Benz AG and Daimler, where he developed the highly regarded MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), the automaker’s intuitive, high-tech multimedia system, and launched other widely acclaimed innovations such as the award-winning MBUX Hyperscreen and the Voice Assistant “Hey Mercedes.” He most recently served as Global Head of User Interaction & Voice Control, leading a cross-functional team with global responsibility for digital user interface and user experience. Prior to his most recent role, Nils held a variety of positions at Daimler and Mercedes-Benz in R&D, Product Management, and Marketing. In addition to his Germany-based roles, he also spent time in Silicon Valley as Director of IoT & Wearables at Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America.

As Chief Revenue Officer, Bob Ligon is responsible for our worldwide sales, sales engineering, and marketing organizations, leading our go-to-market strategy and driving pipeline growth. An accomplished and tenured automotive technology sales executive, Bob joined Cerence following a more than 10-year tenure at ZF Group, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President of Sales. Prior to joining ZF Group, Mr. Ligon spent nearly 20 years at Continental in progressing sales and leadership positions. He has a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree from Walsh College, and he completed the University of Michigan’s Executive Leadership Program. Mr. Ligon is also a member of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA)’s Sales & Marketing Council and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).