Khamil named executive chairman

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil, group managing director of DRB-HICOM Bhd, has been appointed executive chairman and executive director of Proton Holdings Bhd.

Proton said this in a short statement to the stock exchange yesterday.

The appointment comes merely days after Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh resigned as chairman of the national carmaker.

Khamil's appointment ends weeks of speculation on who will helm the ailing national carmaker.

Last week, Business Times had reported that the 56-year-old Khamil was the man tipped to lead Proton as he had the confidence of the DRB-HICOM board.

Khamil's appointment will provide DRB-HICOM immediately an insight on the inner workings of Proton.

Business Times had reported yesterday that changes in the management of Proton will take place this week to facilitate DRB-HICOM's review of Proton.

It was reported last week that DRB-HICOM may sell Lotus Group International Ltd if the unprofitable British sports-car maker fails to meet performance targets.

"Lotus should work and perform as what has been promised, or they have to face the consequences," Khamil told reporters last week after a special shareholder meeting in Shah Alam. By Francis Fernandez