smart Automobile appoints Kang Yi as new Global CMO, succeeding Mandy Zhang

The board of directors of smart Automobile Co., Ltd. today announced that Kang Yi, current Head of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Auto Finance Ltd., will succeed Mandy Zhang as Global Chief Marketing Officer of smart, effective April 1, 2026. In this position, Kang Yi will be responsible for the global sales, marketing, and customer service at smart, and will also serve as Chair of the Supervisory Board of smart Europe GmbH. Following the conclusion of her assignment at smart, Mandy Zhang will take up a new role at Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co., Ltd from April 1, 2026.

Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2026/02/3635c86b2a8c97bb9fa4578f9f7145ab.jpg

Kang Yi has been appointed Global CMO of smart

Kang Yi has worked for Mercedes-Benz for 20 years, accumulating extensive experience with the brand's production and sales joint ventures in China. In 2015, he was appointed Head of Sales and Marketing of smart in China, where he played a pivotal role in advancing the brand's development in China. As well as deep expertise in joint venture management and a strong track record in sales and marketing, Kang Yi has also been a key driver of Mercedes-Benz's electric transformation.

"I am delighted to welcome Kang Yi to the smart management team. He brings extensive leadership experience in sales and marketing operations, as well as a long-standing passion for the smart brand. As Global CMO of smart, he will lead smart's global sales and marketing efforts across our expanding product portfolio, introducing our distinctive brand to more customers worldwide", said Tong Xiangbei, Global CEO of smart. He added: "I would also like to thank Mandy Zhang for her leadership and dedication as part of the smart team. Her contributions have been instrumental in launching the renewed smart brand and a new generation of products globally, reaching customers across five continents. We wish her all the best in her next role."

During her four years as Global CMO of smart, Mandy Zhang has overseen the global launches of the smart #1, #3, and #5, while also laying the groundwork for the forthcoming smart #2 and smart #6 EHD - both set to premiere this year. She has played a leading role in establishing smart's direct-to-customer sales model and expanding the brand's global footprint, which now spans 39 countries and regions. She has also led a repositioning of the smart brand under the slogan "open your mind," elevating brand awareness and deepening customer engagement worldwide.

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Mandy Zhang will take up a new role at Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co., Ltd.

2026 marks smart's "Year of Opening New Frontiers" - a year defined by new market entries, enhanced smartcare services, and two strategic model debuts. Later this year, the smart #2 will have its world premiere in Europe, while the smart #6 EHD, a premium fastback sedan developed exclusively for China, launches mid-year. With a broader global presence, an expanding product family, and strengthened in-house capabilities, smart is poised for its most ambitious chapter yet.

Contact

Jack Bailey

jack.bailey@smart.com [mailto:sebastian.liu@smart.com]

About smart

Since the birth of the brand in the 1990s, smart has always maintained the vision of exploring the best solutions for future urban mobility. In late 2019, Mercedes-Benz AG and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group officially established smart global joint venture.

From 2019 to 2024, after the comprehensive renewal of its brand, products, and business model, smart successfully achieved the strategic objectives set for its initial five-year phase. Adhering steadfastly to the "China-Europe, Dual Home" global development strategy, smart has transformed into a leading premium intelligent electric automotive brand. It now boasts an expanding product matrix and a global footprint spanning around 40 countries and regions.
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Country: China
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