Leading a company through times of uncertainty is no easy feat. But for Andrew O’Brooks, Managing Director of MAN Malaysia, his five-and-a-half-year tenure was nothing short of transformative.
Andrew O’Brooks’ Transformative Journey with MAN Malaysia
From navigating the challenges of a pandemic-stricken world to reshaping the company’s operations and image, his journey was defined by perseverance, innovation and a deep respect for teamwork.
When he officially took the reins in January 2020, little did he expect that his introduction to Malaysia would coincide with a global health crisis. Fresh from onboarding in Munich and a truck launch in Bilbao, he arrived in Kuala Lumpur just in time to move into his new home — only to be caught in the first nationwide lockdown. With no internet connection at home, his early months as Managing Director were spent managing operations and communicating with staff entirely through his mobile phone. It was a baptism by fire but one that set the tone for a tenure defined by resilience and adaptability.
Despite the disruption, the company quickly rallied. Not a single Covid-19 infection was recorded on MAN Malaysia’s premises and every employee continued to receive full salaries, allowances and even annual pay increments. These early decisions laid the groundwork for a culture of stability, safety and solidarity.
Strategic Shifts and Bold Moves
One of the most fulfilling aspects of his role, he reflects, was witnessing the growth and evolution of the team. “From a culture where employees were hesitant to make decisions, they evolved into one of ownership and initiative. Mistakes, I believe, are part of the learning curve and finding the right role for the right person was key to building a more confident, agile workforce.”
Taking bold steps was necessary to breathe new life into the company. The move from Rawang to Shah Alam was a major turning point, one that he believes should have happened sooner.
“The previous joint-venture structure made such strategic shifts difficult but by transforming the company into a wholly-owned subsidiary within six months, decision-making became faster and more effective. The relocation not only improved logistics and capacity, but also served as a springboard for bigger achievements,” he explained.
Among those, the launch of the MAN New Truck Generation in Malaysia stood out. As the first brand to introduce Euro V-specification engines as standard, MAN made a clear statement about its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The launch marked a turning point in how the industry perceived MAN; no longer just a contender but a leader and trendsetter in cleaner, more efficient transport solutions.
Yet, the path was not without challenges. “One of his few regrets was the delayed enforcement of Euro V emission regulations, which hampered wider adoption of MAN’s cleaner trucks. Many transporters stuck with Euro III vehicles due to regulatory uncertainty, impacting the brand’s market share in the short term. Still, the early adopters of MAN’s Euro V trucks are now reaping the benefits and the company’s head start gives it a competitive edge in Malaysia’s evolving transport landscape,” he said.
Charting New Course in China
As he prepares for a new chapter in China, there’s much he says he would miss about Malaysia — the warmth of the people, the tenacity of his team and the one-of-a-kind local cuisine. His experience here, he believes, prepared him well for the road ahead. From Eastern Europe to Central Asia and now Malaysia, each stop added a new dimension to his leadership approach.
In China, he expects a fresh set of challenges, from language barriers to colder seasons, but also sees vast potential.
“MAN already holds a strong position in the fire truck segment and is well respected for rigid trucks and special applications. With opportunities in bus sales, electric and hydrogen vehicles, and even defence, he’s optimistic about what lies ahead. As head of the Greater China Cluster, which includes Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mongolia, his vision extends beyond border,” he stated.
