Bosch appoints Darren Chan as new managing director for Malaysia

• The new role is in addition to Chan’s existing responsibilities as CEO and managing director of Bosch Rexroth Malaysia and regional technology leader for industrial hydraulics of Bosch Rexroth ASEAN.
• Chan takes over the role amid strong business growth in Malaysia, marked by a record-breaking turnover of €1.466 billion in 2024.

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia – Bosch, a leading global supplier of technology and services, has appointed Darren Chan Chon Hoe as managing director of Bosch Malaysia, effective July 1, 2025. The new role is in addition to Chan’s existing responsibilities as Bosch Rexroth Malaysia’s chief executive officer and managing director, and the regional technology leader for industrial hydraulics at Bosch Rexroth ASEAN.

Chan is the first Malaysian to be appointed managing director of Bosch Malaysia. His appointment reflects Bosch’s continued confidence in the Malaysian market and underscores the company’s commitment to developing leadership talent with deep local insights and the capability to drive business success.

He succeeds Vijay Ratnaparkhe, regional president of Bosch in Southeast Asia, who had served as interim managing director of Bosch Malaysia for the past 11 months. With this appointment, Ratnaparkhe will now fully resume his regional responsibilities.

“Darren’s deep industry knowledge and strong connection to the local market make him the right person to lead Bosch Malaysia into its next chapter,” said Ratnaparkhe.

Local insights to drive business success and support national progress

With more than two decades of experience in industrial automation, Chan has held leadership roles across Southeast Asia in sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, automotive, and general industries.

“Taking on this role is a great honour, and I see it as an opportunity to contribute to Malaysia’s future. Combining Bosch’s more than a century of presence and over 3,700 associates across the country with my experience, I aim to strengthen public–private collaboration and advance continuous talent development — both of which are key to raising the country’s gross national income per capita. I am committed to the company’s successful development in the country while supporting the nation’s progress,” said Darren Chan, managing director of Bosch and Bosch Rexroth Malaysia

Chan takes on the role amid strong business momentum in Malaysia. In 2024, Bosch Malaysia recorded its highest-ever turnover of €1.466 billion (RM7.261 billion) in total net sales, a year-on-year increase of nearly 31%. Consolidated sales to third parties also rose by 16%, reaching €188 million (RM929.5 million).

He also highlighted Bosch’s unique global-local advantage. “Bosch’s global footprint — with roughly 490 subsidiaries in more than 60 countries — enables us to adopt a truly ‘glocal’ perspective. This allows us to think globally and act locally.”

Driving high-tech manufacturing and global innovation from Penang

Two weeks into his new role, Chan hosted a delegation from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) at Bosch Power Tools Manufacturing Plant & Engineering Centre, Penang.

Established in 1992, the facility has evolved into an integrated concept development centre for the global cordless and measuring tools markets. It also serves as a global spare parts hub for Bosch’s after-sales service centres worldwide. This location has proudly produced over 150 million power tools to date.

Penang is a strategic location for Bosch, serving as the company’s high tech engineering hub in Southeast Asia. It is home to Bosch’s largest cluster of manufacturing and R&D sites in the region, producing vehicle electronics, power tools, and semiconductors.

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