Proton Holdings Berhad (Proton) has announced the appointment of Dato’ Abdul Rashid Musa as its new Deputy Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 November 2025. In this role, he will report directly to Proton’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Li Chunrong.
A highly regarded leader in Malaysia’s automotive sector, Dato’ Abdul Rashid returns to Proton with more than three decades of expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and product development.
During his earlier years with the company, he served as Chief Technical Officer before taking on the position of Chief Executive Officer at Proton Edar. His tenure saw several significant achievements, most notably the introduction of the Proton X70 in 2018 — a key milestone in the brand’s modernisation.
After leaving Proton, he continued to expand his portfolio at UMW Holdings Berhad, where he led the aerospace division and spearheaded initiatives in mobility, innovation, and sustainability. His work in these areas contributed to national development goals and further demonstrated his dedication to strengthening Malaysia’s automotive industry.
“Proton is pleased to welcome back Dato’ Abdul Rashid Musa. His extensive industry knowledge and deep familiarity with our organisation will be instrumental as we continue our transformation journey and pursue new growth opportunities. We also wish to express our gratitude to Ainol Azmil, who served diligently as Covering Deputy CEO from 10 June to 31 October,” said Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton.
With this transition, Ainol Azmil will return to his responsibilities as Vice President of Corporate Strategy while also continuing to lead Proton’s Group Technical Procurement division as Senior Director. The company extends its sincere appreciation for his steady leadership and dedication during his tenure as Covering Deputy Chief Executive Officer, which ensured smooth and uninterrupted operations.
