by AFIQ AZIZ

NATIONAL automaker Proton Holdings Bhd announced the appointment of Roslan Abdullah (picture) as the company’s new sales and marketing VP effective June 1, 2020.

In a statement yesterday, the company said Roslan — a former Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd president and COO — has also received an additional appointment as the CEO at Proton Edar Sdn Bhd (PESB) — a wholly owned subsidiary of the national automaker.

PESB is the sales and distribution arm of Proton. Roslan succeeded Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa, who reportedly left both positions in 2018.

Having spent close to three decades in the automotive sector, Proton said Roslan has a wealth of experience and knowledge about Malaysia’s automotive landscape.

“His stint in the industry covered finance, operations and sales roles,” the company said.

“We are happy to welcome Roslan to the Proton family and we look forward to his positive contributions to Proton’s performance during this challenging period,” Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong said in the statement.

DRB-Hicom Bhd has a stake in both Proton and Honda Malaysia.

Prior to his move to Proton, Roslan oversaw the operations of DRB-Hicom Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd.

“His appointment will further strengthen Proton’s team to achieve its long-term goal and objectives,” the firm added.

Last year, Proton sold 100,821 units of vehicles that marked the first time it breached the 100,000-mark since 2015.

Subsequently, Proton’s total market share also rose to 16.7% which is the highest since 2014.

The 2019 sales were attributable to three models — the Proton X70 SUV, Proton Saga A-segment sedan and Proton Persona B-level sedan.

Apart from Honda Malaysia, Roslan also helmed various positions at other automotive firms including Isuzu Hicom Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd as the CFO, according to his LinkedIn account.

He holds a degree in Finance and Accountancy from the University of Brighton in the UK, then known as Brighton Polytechnic.

He started his career in accounting and finance in 1993.