Mercedes-Benz MY names new CEO and head of SEA region

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has named Amanda Zhang (pictured) as its CEO and president as well as the head of region for Mercedes-Benz Cars SEA II to oversee the brand’s growth locally and within the SEA II region, according to the brand on LinkedIn.

Zhang took over the reins for the role on 1 August 2023 from Sagree Sardien who led the electric mobility agenda in Malaysia by introducing a fleet of electric vehicles (EV) from the brand including the locally assembled Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC. Sardien is currently the company’s head of region overseas.

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In her new role, Zhang will be expected to steer the brand’s vision to be a car that puts sustainability at the forefront, according to a LinkedIn post by Mercedes-Benz.

"We are thrilled to welcome Amanda Zhang to the helm of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. Her extensive leadership experience and strategic acumen will undoubtedly further support and drive our company forward in the dynamic Malaysian market,’ said Sardien.

“I am confident that under her guidance, the company will continue to flourish and uphold its reputation for innovation and excellence,” she added.

Prior to her current role, Zhang was the CEO of Mercedes-Benz Romania from March 2021 and had been with the Mercedes-Benz Group for over 20 years.

When the group was formerly known as Daimler AG, Zhang was the senior manager, marketing communications for the MBC European region from May 2016 to February 2021, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Her career at Mercedes-Benz Group began in December 2002 when Zhang was appointed as an associate of the International Management Associate Program.

As Mercedes-Benz ramps up its presence in Malaysia, it recently appointed Bettina Plangger as its new vice president as well as head of marketing and sales of Malaysia and SEA. She commenced her duties on 17 April 2023.

According to Mercedes-Benz, Plangger was instrumental in implementing the brand’s luxury strategy and led her team to top ranking positions in sales and customer satisfaction.

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