China national Li Chunrong has been named as the CEO for the manufacturing arm of Malaysian carmaker Proton, Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd (PONSB).

The announcement was made by DRB-Hicom group managing director Syed Faisal Albar at a joint press conference with China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in Glenmarie, Selangor today.

Li previously held the post of Dongfeng Honda Engine Co deputy general manager, before joining Geely on Aug 22.

Current PONSB deputy CEO Radzaif Mohammed, meanwhile, will remain in his current position.

"Some three months after signing a definitive agreement with Geely Holdings, we have reached a point where we know in more detail what to do and how to do it.

"Our goal is to bring back Proton to its leading position, and as a top three brand (in Malaysia)," Syed Faisal said in his opening speech.

Li, meanwhile, expressed confidence in Proton's ability to reclaim its top spot, and emerge as a leading Asean brand.

"To make this vision happen, Proton now has access to the global synergies, expertise and financial support it needs from the Geely family," he said.

Aside from announcing Li's appointment, Syed Faisal also unveiled the new line-up for the Proton Holdings Bhd (PHB) board of directors, which he continues to head as chairperson.

The PHB board members comprise nominees from DRB-Hicom, Shaharul Farez Hassan and Amalanathan Thomas, together with Geely Holding's Daniel Donghui Li and Feng Qing Feng.

Syed Faisal said all five are also joined by Geely Holding vice-president of international business Nathan Yu Ning, as well as former Skoda Auto CEO Winfried Vahland as board members of PONSB.

At a press conference later, Li said the next 14 months would be a challenging time for Proton, as the company continues with its turnaround plan.

Asked about his strategy for the company, Li said Proton would focus on improving customers' satisfaction, as well as introducing a new range of products for the Malaysian market.

DRB-Hicom, which holds a 50.1 percent stake in Proton Group, had previously said that the appointment of a new CEO is part of its deal with Geely, and outlined that the China group would "lend expertise in the area of production, manufacturing, operations and marketing."