Tong Xiangbei has been appointed the new global CEO of the 'smart' brand, a global joint venture that Mercedes-Benz and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding) have formally established. He will oversee all operations relating to the brand including sales, marketing, R&D, production and aftersales.

Tong, who has worked for global automotive OEMs both in the US and in China, has 24 years of experience in the automotive industry. He joined the Geely Auto Group in 2015, where he led completion of the flagship Lynk & Co production facility in Zhangjiakou City, which is capable of producing over 250,000 cars per annum based on Geely’s flagship architecture and powertrains. Tong has also undertaken other roles within Geely including leading on the development and construction of future industrial projects.

Tong Xiangbei graduated from Beijing Polytechnic University in 1996 with a bachelors degree in automotive and internal combustion engine design. He worked as a mechanic at a Beijing based automotive services company before joining Ford China in 1998. Tong spent 17 years working at Ford’s global facilities and oversaw the development of multiple new global assembly plants as well as the launch of multiple new models.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz and Geely set up JV for ‘smart’ brand, EVs to roll out from 2022