Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has announced the appointment of Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar as its new president and group chief executive officer (CEO), effective February 1, 2026. This new role replaces the previous group managing director position.
Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, the current group managing director, will retire on January 31, 2026, after an illustrious career of over 40 years with the company. Captain Izham joined Malaysia Airlines in 1979 as a pilot and held multiple key leadership roles before being appointed as group managing director in December 2017 — making him the airline’s longest-serving chief executive.
During his tenure, Captain Izham led major financial restructuring and operational improvement initiatives that restored MAG to profitability. The group’s strengthened financial position now enables it to pursue its next phase of growth and sustainability under new leadership.
Captain Nasaruddin, who brings over 30 years of experience in flight operations, management, and strategic roles within MAG, currently serves as the chief operating officer of Malaysia Airlines.
As president and group CEO, he will lead the execution of MAG’s strategic priorities, focusing on operational excellence, customer experience, and sustainable growth across its airlines and non-airline businesses. His leadership will guide the implementation of the Long-Term Business Plan 3.0 (LTBP3.0) and reinforce MAG’s standing as a leading aviation group.
He will be supported by a capable management team across MAG’s three profit centres — Airline Business, Loyalty and Travel Services, and Aviation Services.
MAG board member and Khazanah Nasional Bhd managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir expressed full confidence in Nasaruddin’s leadership to advance the group’s strategic direction and competitiveness.
“On behalf of the board and the entire MAG family, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Captain Izham for his exceptional leadership and dedication. His integrity, passion, and commitment have been instrumental in guiding MAG through key transformation and growth phases,” Amirul Feisal said.
