New CEO at Malaysia Airlines

Effective today, Tengku Dato’ Azmil Zahruddin begins his new role as the managing director and chief executive officer for Malaysia Airlines, upon receiving his appointment from the airlines’ board

Effective today, Tengku Dato’ Azmil Zahruddin begins his new role as the managing director and chief executive officer for Malaysia Airlines, upon receiving his appointment from the airlines’ board of directors.

Azmil will replace Dato’ Sri Idris Jala who has been appointed Minister without portfolio in the Prime Minister’s Department and as the chief executive officer of Performance Management and Delivery Unit (PEMANDU).

Azmil, who was previously the executive director and chief financial officer of Malaysia Airlines, joined the national carrier in 2005 from Penerbangan Malaysia Berhad. Prior to this, he was attached to PricewaterhouseCoopers in London and Hong Kong.

Chairman Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid said: “Over the past 4 years, Azmil and Idris have worked very closely together in steering the airline out of its financial crisis and setting the vision for Malaysia Airlines’ transformation into “The World’s Five-Star Value Carrier.

“We are pleased that Azmil has agreed to take up the leadership mantle. He has our full support and the support of our 19,000 strong employees. Together, we will continue to build on the strong foundation for change and achieve the impossible.”

Munir added, “Idris has been a remarkable CEO. His vision and drive, his passion and his indefatigable energy, coupled with his transformation principles, have changed Malaysia Airlines. He leaves behind a strong legacy and people transformed.

“The MH family – the board, management, and staff of Malaysia Airlines – wishes Idris all the best and knows that he will do a remarkable job in his new position. He will always have our full support.”

Azmil said, “I have enjoyed working with Idris tremendously. His guidance and wisdom have been invaluable, and his push to have the entire organization anchored on the P&L gives us a head start. The next few years will be challenging, and we need to continue to build on the momentum that is already in place.”

Jala said, “I am grateful to the board, management, and employees for the support given. It has been my privilege to serve Malaysia Airlines, and I am delighted to see how far all of us have come. The employees have stepped up to the toughest tasks, and together, we have already done the impossible.

“Azmil and I have been through thick and thin. He is absolutely the right man for the job, and I am confident that he will steer Malaysia Airlines to greater heights.”

He also said, “The appointment as a Minister is an honor and opens a new chapter for me. Hopefully, I will be able to take my experience in transforming corporations into the civil service.”

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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