Proton Group has nominated Dr Li Chunrong as CEO of Perusahaan Otomobil National Sdn Bhd (PONSB), following the departure of Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, which takes effect on Sept 30.
Li will assume the role of PONSB CEO beginning Oct 1, and will be instrumental in working on jointly developed vehicles for Proton. Reuters reported that Li would also lead Proton's global operations.
The first of the jointly developed vehicles will be a mid-sized SUV, the first time Proton has entered into this hotly-contested segment. The SUV would be based on the Geely Boyue.
The Boyue.
Li has 30 years of experience in the automotive industry and has worked with major international brands such as Honda, Kia, and Dongfeng, in various high level roles.
Current PONSB deputy CEO Datuk Radzaif Mohammed will support Dr Li in the revitalisation plan.
At the Proton Holdings Bhd level, Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar remains as chairman, joined by DRB-Hicom senior management team members Shaharul Farez Hassan and Amalanathan Thomas as nominees.
Meanwhile, Geely has nominated Geely executive vice president & chief financial officer Daniel Donghui Li and Hong Kong-listed Geely Auto group vice president and chief technology officer Feng Qing Feng as nominees to the board of Proton Holdings board.
All five nominees will also sit on the PONSB board, along with Geely international business vice president Dr Nathan Yu Ning and former Skoda Auto chairman and CEO Winfried Vahland.
Syed Faisal, Farez, Amalanathan, Daniel Donghui Li and Nathan Yu Ning also sit on the board of Proton Edar Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian distribution arm of Proton.
