Auto veteran heads Proton production
MALAYSIA’S DRB-Hicom Bhd and China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely) have named their nominees to the Proton Group boards.
Proton Group has nominated Dr Li Chunrong as CEO of Perusahaan Otomobil National Sdn Bhd (PONSB), effective today, following the departure of Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali.
He will also instrumental in working on jointly developed vehicles for Proton.
The first of these jointly developed vehicles will be a mid-sized SUV, the first time Proton has entered into this hotly-contested segment.
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.
Li said he was nominated by both DRB-Hicom and Geely Holdings to turn around Proton and “I believe the Malaysian car brand will soon be the number one domestic brand and a leading Asean brand”.
“To make this vision happen, Proto now has access to the global synergies, expertise and financial support it needs from the Geely family.
“I firmly believe that Proton's best days are ahead of it,” said Li.
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.