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Mohd Rizal Jailan
CEO
The automotive industry is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. At the forefront of this evolution are visionary leaders who are not only adapting to these changes but are also shaping the future of the automotive industry. Among these inspiring leaders is Mohd Rizal Jailan, CEO of Naza Automotive Group, a leader renowned for pushing the boundaries of innovation in the automotive sector.
Under Rizal’s dynamic leadership, Naza Group has embraced cutting-edge technology, exploring new frontiers in electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable mobility solutions. His forward-thinking strategies have positioned Naza Group as a key player in the region’s automotive landscape, driving the company toward greener, smarter, and more efficient transportation systems.
In this interview, Jailan shares valuable insights into the automotive industry and his journey in the sector.
Can you give an overview of your career journey?
My journey has been driven by determination. I have been fortunate to build my career in the automotive industry, starting with race engineer in year 2001, followed by various automotive fields such as process engineer, project engineer, automotive manufacturing, environmental engineering, engine and modular components manufacturing before climbing into middle and senior management team under Sime Darby-Inokom group. This, in total, aggregated to 22 years of automotive experiences with many globally known brands such as Ford, Hyundai, Land Rover, Mazda, KIA and BMW.
In January 2023, I joined Naza Automotive Holdings Sdn Bhd (Naza Auto Group) as CEO, overseeing the Group that is the sole importer and distributor for Maserati, Ducati, Suzuki and being the exclusive distributor of Complete-Built-Up (CBU) and authorised importer & dealer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Malaysia. Besides these global brands, the Group is also responsible for the import of used car to Malaysia, alongside 3 diversified businesses of vehicle transportation, hire purchase and insurance.
Since joining Naza Auto Group, I’ve worked on strengthening its position in the market, helping us evolve into a brand that emphasises both luxury and innovation. What motivates me daily is the opportunity to drive transformation, whether through leading our operational excellence, strengthening our customer-centric approach, and pushing the boundaries of what the Group can achieve in the Malaysian automotive industry. This also allows me to touch and change our people’s lives, to make it better professionally and personally.
One major area we're focusing on right now is green mobility. This doesn’t just refer to electric vehicles, but also includes other types of energy-efficient vehicles
Could you share your leadership approach?
My leadership approach is grounded in transparency & sincerity, open communication, collaboration, and enable & empowerment. I believe in fostering a team environment where every individual feels encouraged to contribute their ideas. It's important for me to lead with a clear vision while remaining adaptable. I also emphasise agility in decision-making, especially in a fast-evolving industry like automotive. One key aspect of my leadership is investing in people, as I believe that building strong teams is crucial to long-term success. In fact, my first question to the management team when I took over the office was about our investment in training for our people.
How do you stay updated with ongoing trends in the industry?
Staying informed is a vital part of steering Naza Auto Group into the future. I engage in continuous learning through industry reports, attending global automotive events, and networking with peers in the industry. Stakeholders’ management is imperative, especially with our brand’s principals and authorities. Our strong partnerships with our principals keep us attuned to the latest global advancements in automotive technology and sustainability.
Could you share the major challenges you’ve encountered in your professional journey so far, and what you consider to be your key successes?
Learn every single day. To this day, I never stop learning new things, regardless of whether these new things directly impact our industry/businesses or not.
The automotive industry is a well-regulated business, hence our deep understanding of this business, by regulation, innovation & technology, market perception and principal’s aspiration are critical to ensure sound decisions can be made on timely basis. One of the initial challenges I faced was navigating an increasingly competitive and evolving market. The automotive landscape, particularly in Malaysia, is constantly changing with new technologies, consumer behaviours, and market dynamics. To overcome this, I focused on understanding the needs of our clients and aligning our offerings with their expectations. I also ensured that Naza Auto Group remained agile by investing cautiously and improving process & operational excellence to give the best return to our shareholders and customers.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
At Naza Auto, our vision to promote lifestyle mobility drives us towards a future where we redefine the exceptional automotive experience in Malaysia. We are focused on enhancing the lifestyle aspect of owning a vehicle, from the product offerings itself, and top of the class aftersales experience. Our goal is to create a seamless and elevated ownership experience, where our customers feel valued and enjoy more than just a vehicle, they gain access to a premium lifestyle. We’re also looking at expanding our brand portfolio, bringing in more global luxury names, EV or conventional models to meet the sophisticated tastes of Malaysian consumers.
What advice would you give to upcoming leaders?
Do not be afraid of change. My advice to emerging leaders is to stay curious, be adaptable, and focus on continuous learning. The automotive industry is in the midst of significant change, from technological advancements to shifting consumer expectations. Embrace innovation and do take calculated risks. At the same time, invest in people, as strong leadership is as much about nurturing talent as it is about making strategic decisions. Lastly, always stay customer-focused, as they are the true drivers of your success.
Mohd Rizal Jailan, CEO, Naza Automotive Group
Mohd Rizal Jailan, CEO of Naza Automotive Group, is a visionary leader in the automotive industry. With over two decades of experience, he focuses on driving innovation, enhancing customer experience, and advancing green mobility through cutting-edge strategies and leadership.