Kuala Lumpur, 1 February 2026 – Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced a major leadership transition in its Southeast Asia operations, with Martin Schulz appointed as CEO & President of Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia and Head of the newly integrated Southeast Asia Region, effective 1 February 2026. The expanded regional role covers four key markets: Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Schulz succeeds Amanda Zhang, who will remain on the Board of Directors and take on the role of Senior Adviser to ensure strategic continuity and a smooth leadership handover.
A Legacy of Transformation Under Amanda Zhang
Over her more than 20-year career with Mercedes-Benz, Amanda Zhang has led the brand through major transformation phases across Europe and Southeast Asia. In Malaysia and Singapore, she introduced Southeast Asia’s first Retail of the Future Agency Model and launched the region’s first flagship luxury retail format, Stars@Mercedes-Benz Bangsar, reshaping the customer experience through digitalisation and data-driven insights.
Her tenure also saw the product portfolio expand into a clearer “luxury of choice” strategy, accelerated EV ecosystem development through strategic charging partnerships, and stronger regional go-to-market execution. These efforts have positioned Mercedes-Benz well for sustained growth, electrification, and long-term customer value creation.
“It has been a privilege to lead Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Singapore,” said Amanda Zhang, Senior Adviser.
“I warmly welcome Martin Schulz as he steps into this pivotal role and have full confidence in his leadership as he takes the organisation into its next phase of growth across Southeast Asia.”
Martin Schulz Brings Global and Regional Firepower
Martin Schulz is no stranger to the brand. Having joined Mercedes-Benz in 1999, he brings extensive international leadership experience, including CEO roles in the UAE and Romania, and more than a decade in senior management positions across Vietnam, Thailand and Korea. Most recently, he was based in Stuttgart at Mercedes-Benz headquarters, serving in various Sales and Marketing leadership functions.
“I am thrilled to return to Asia and join the teams in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia,” said Martin Schulz.
“This is a period of immense opportunity for Mercedes-Benz, and I’m committed to working closely with our colleagues and retail partners to reinforce our leadership in luxury mobility across this vibrant region.”
📝 Writer’s Take
This isn’t just a leadership swap, it’s a strategic reset with regional muscle. By integrating Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam under one leadership structure, Mercedes-Benz is clearly aiming for faster decision-making, tighter market alignment, and a stronger push in electrification and luxury retail experience.
Amanda Zhang leaves behind a solid foundation built on digital retail, EV readiness and customer-centric strategy. With Martin Schulz’s deep Asia experience and HQ exposure, the brand now has both regional sensitivity and global alignment in one role, exactly what Mercedes-Benz needs as luxury mobility in Southeast Asia enters its most competitive era yet.
