Kuala Lumpur. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today announced the appointment of Kevin Barbian as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia, effective 1st September 2026. He succeeds Nadia Trimmel, who takes on her next assignment as Sales Director of Mercedes-Benz Vans UK.

Published on 2nd September 2026.

Nadia Trimmel joined Mercedes-Benz South Africa in 2014 as National Sales Manager for Mercedes-Benz Vans and was appointed Managing Director in 2017. During her tenure, she broadened the product portfolio, spearheaded customer-centric innovation, and drove transformative business initiatives, strengthening the brand's market position and performance. In 2024, she joined Mercedes-Benz Malaysia as Vice President of Marketing and Sales, where she deepened collaboration across the retail network and key stakeholder groups while accelerating the brand's pioneering Retail of the Future transformation. She also championed the successful launch of several products, including the all-new electric CLA, advancing Mercedes-Benz's transformation agenda and reinforcing its position in the Malaysian automotive market.

“My time in Malaysia has been an immensely rewarding experience, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together. From my team and colleagues to our retail partners, customers, and stakeholders, the passion, commitment, and resilience of those around me have made this chapter truly meaningful. I would like to thank everyone who has been part of this journey and extend a warm welcome to Kevin. Under his leadership, I am confident the business will build on its strong momentum and reach even greater heights in the years ahead.”

Nadia Trimmel, outgoing COO, Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia

“Malaysia is an important and dynamic market for Mercedes-Benz, with tremendous potential for continued growth and innovation. I look forward to building on the strong momentum of the business and working alongside our talented team and retail network to further enhance the customer journey. Our focus remains on delivering desirable products, seamless experiences, and meaningful value to our customers.”

Kevin Barbian, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia

Kevin Barbian brings extensive experience across business development, digitalisation, and customer experience within Mercedes-Benz. After beginning his career in 2011 as a Business Development Consultant, he went on to lead commercial telematics and B2B services before founding Mercedes-Benz Connectivity Services GmbH in 2016, where he served as Head of Sales & Marketing.

Over the past decade, Kevin Barbian has held key leadership roles in IT and digital transformation. As Digital Lead for Mercedes-EQ, he drove innovations such as over-the-air updates and on-demand functions, before establishing and scaling the Digital, Data, & AI unit within IT Customer Services across multiple international hubs. Most recently, he led the Retail of the Future programme in Europe, overseeing its successful implementation in Germany and rollout across additional markets.

Mercedes-Benz Anniversary Year “140 Years of Innovation”

Since Carl Benz filed the patent for the first automobile 140 years ago and Gottlieb Daimler built his motorised carriage shortly afterwards, Mercedes-Benz has dedicated itself to constantly innovate and to create the world’s most desirable cars for customers. This ambition has driven every innovation – from the world's first automobile in 1886 to today's intelligent and safe electric vehicles, like the all-new GLC and the award-winning all-new CLA. With the new S-Class, the company continues the biggest product launch programme in its history. With its passion for performance and pioneering power, excellence and an unwavering commitment to customer service, the brand has consistently shaped the future of mobility. The result goes well beyond engineering achievement – it creates the unmistakable feeling that leads through everything Mercedes-Benz does: Welcome home.

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 140 years of innovation by driving three new S-Class saloons on a trans-continental journey to 140 locations worldwide. Each place highlights the brand’s technology, heritage, pioneering spirit and worldwide presence. Along the way customers, fans and colleagues will get to join in the celebrations - on an epic adventure that will run until October. Follow the “140 Years. 140 Places” drive across six continents on our “140 years of innovation | Mercedes-Benz Media” special and via the Mercedes-Benz Community.