MBM Appoints Amanda Zhang As New CEO And President

Amanda Zhang (left) succeeds Sagree Sardien (right) as MBM's new President and CEO effective 1 Aug 2023.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) sees a change in its top management with the installation of Amanda Zhang as its new CEO and President. Amanda succeeds her predecessor Sagree Sardien effective from 1 Aug 2023, the latter having helmed the position since June 2021.

MBM notes that Amanda’s installation as its CEO and President, as well as Head of Region, Mercedes-Benz Cars SEA II, marks a progression for outgoing CEO and President Sardien who advances to the position of Head of Region Overseas, Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Germany.

Under Sardien's watch, a slew of EVs were launched including the flagship EQS initially in 450+ CBU (left) and later 500 4Matic CKD (right) forms.

Another core EV model launched under Sagree Sardien's tenure was the EQE 350+.

Since helming the role, Sardien played a key role in steering the brand’s global vision for sustainability both locally and within the SEA II region. Key to this was a slew of EV models launched locally during her time. It includes the EQS 450+ (CBU) and later the EQS 500 4Matic (CKD), followed by the EQE 350+, as well as both the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4Matic+ and EQS 53 4Matic+ performance duo.

EVs aside, a number of staple combustion-powered models were also introduced locally under her watch. Key highlights include the localised (CKD) W206-gen C-Class, the new second-gen GLC 300 4Matic SUV, as well as refreshed A-Class range in both saloon (CKD) and sole performance hatch (CBU) forms. Notable too was MBM’s switch to an agency business model that occurred under her leadership.

EVs aside, Sagree Sardien also oversaw the introduction of staple combustion models like the
second-gen GLC (top), the refreshed A-Class saloon (CKD) and hatch( bottom left), and the
localised W206-gen C-Class (bottom right.)

Zhang succeeds Sardien arguably with an equal wealth of experience too. Prior to Malaysia, Zhang helmed the role of CEO at Mercedes-Benz Romania where she oversaw four business divisions. Her tenure there saw robust double-digit growth in both sales and customer services.

Notable too was Zhang’s effective implementation of the electrification strategy in Romania’s demanding landscape, with said effort proving pivotal in revitalising the three-point star brand’s dealer network in said nation’s market. Moreover, Zhang also played a role in the brand’s “Journey To China” initiative that entailed in relocating the brand’s wholesale operations from Hong Kong to Beijing.

Prior to MBM, Amanda Zhang previously led Mercedes-Benz Romania as its CEO and played a pivotal role in revitalising its dealership network by implementing the brand's electrification strategy in said market.

“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 to drive our company forward in the dynamic Malaysian market,” said outgoing President and CEO Sagree Sardien about her successor Zhang.

“I am truly honoured to take on this new role in Malaysia and SEA III. I firmly believe that innovation, customer-centricity, and sustainable growth are the cornerstones of success, and I am committed to fostering a culture that embraces these values at every level of the organisation,” said Zhang in light of her installation at the new head at MBM.