The newly ex-deputy CEO of Proton is set to steer GWM Malaysia in its next phase of growth.
Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia has officially appointed Roslan Abdullah as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), with the veteran automotive executive assuming the role in June 2025. Roslan brings with him more than three decades of experience across the Malaysian automotive landscape, having held senior leadership positions at Honda Malaysia, Modenas, and most recently, Proton.
Best known in recent years for his time at Proton, Roslan served as Deputy CEO for the Malaysian automaker from January 2022 until his recent departure. He first joined the company back in June 2020 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, while concurrently serving as CEO of Proton Edar.
Over the course of five years, Roslan became a key figure in Proton’s brand resurgence, playing a leading role in product launches, media outreach, and customer engagement. His energetic and hands-on leadership style was instrumental in aligning Proton’s public image with its transformation ambitions under its new Chinese parent/partner.
Those with a longer memory meanwhile will also recall Roslan’s influential role at Honda Malaysia, where he served as President and Chief Operating Officer from 2012 to 2019. His earlier career included strategic positions in finance and operations at Modenas, DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies, and Isuzu HICOM Malaysia.
In his new role at GWM Malaysia, Roslan will oversee the company’s day-to-day operations, while also spearheading the expansion of its sales and service network, improving customer experience, and advancing its localisation efforts. The Chinese automaker is currently locally assembling the Haval H6 HEV at the EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB) facility in Melaka.
GWM Malaysia Managing Director Cui Anqi welcomed Roslan to the team, stating that his leadership and strategic expertise will be key to strengthening the brand’s position in the market and building lasting consumer confidence. Roslan, meanwhile, reaffirmed GWM’s commitment to supporting Malaysia’s National Automotive Policy and driving forward the country’s shift toward sustainable and intelligent mobility.
