The Executives

DHL Express has appointed Julian Neo as Managing Director of DHL Express Hong Kong and Macau, effective October 1, 2026. He will succeed Andy Chiang, who is set to retire from DHL Group on January 1, 2027, after more than 34 years with the company. Neo brings over 25 years of experience with DHL Express, having held various sales, commercial and management positions across Malaysia, Singapore and the Asia Pacific region. Since 2019, he has served as Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei, where he led consistent revenue and earnings growth, strengthened the company’s market position and improved customer service standards. Under his leadership, DHL Express Malaysia received Great Place to Work certification for seven consecutive years and was ranked the third Best Workplace in Malaysia in 2026. Before his appointment in Malaysia, Neo served as Vice President of Global Multinational Customers for Asia Pacific. In this role, he managed key relationships with multinational companies, supporting business growth and building long-term partnerships across the region. DHL Express Asia Pacific CEO Ken Lee said Neo had demonstrated strong leadership, commercial expertise and a customer-focused approach throughout his career. He added that Neo’s experience across Asia Pacific would help the company strengthen its market position, customer relationships and business growth in Hong Kong and Macau. Neo said he was honoured to lead the teams in Hong Kong and Macau. He highlighted Hong Kong’s position as an important international trade and logistics hub, adding that DHL’s global network would help businesses manage changing supply chains and expand into overseas markets. Strengthening Hong Kong’s Position as a Global Trade Hub Based in Hong Kong, Neo will focus on strengthening DHL Express’s role as a logistics partner for businesses seeking international expansion, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Hong Kong ranks sixth globally for international connectedness and remains a major centre for international trade, logistics and aviation. These advantages provide opportunities for businesses to reach new markets and expand their global operations. Neo will also work to improve cooperation across DHL’s business units to provide more integrated logistics solutions and meet customers’ changing supply chain needs. This includes services such as Heavyweight Express, which supports customers with larger and heavier shipments. The initiatives aim to help businesses access new growth opportunities while strengthening Hong Kong’s competitiveness as a global logistics hub. DHL Express began its operations in Hong Kong in 1972. Its local network includes the Central Asia Hub, one of DHL’s three global hubs, three service centres and approximately 750 retail outlets and service points. The company has more than 1,700 employees in Hong Kong, supporting its international delivery and logistics operations.

Jelawang Capital has appointed former Sea Malaysia chief Howard Soh as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 October 2026. Soh joins the company from Asia-based investment firm LemmaTree, where he served as Group Chief Investment Officer. He brings 20 years of experience in investment, venture building and business operations across Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Before joining LemmaTree, Soh was Director of Investments at Ekuinas. He also founded and led the early Malaysian operations of Lazada, Zalora and Foodpanda, giving him experience in building and growing technology-driven businesses. Jelawang Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional and serves as Malaysia’s national fund of funds. It is part of Khazanah’s RM1 billion Dana Impak commitment, which aims to support the development of the country’s investment and startup ecosystem. Jelawang Capital Chairman Datuk Hisham Hamdan welcomed Soh’s appointment, highlighting his experience in institutional investment, venture building and leadership within Malaysia’s technology sector. He said Soh would help guide the company’s strategic direction and strengthen its partnerships with fund managers as Jelawang Capital continues to support the growth of Malaysia’s venture capital and startup ecosystem.

Indonesian payment technology company Doku has appointed co-founder and former Chief Marketing Officer Himelda Renuat as its new CEO, effective immediately. The appointment comes as the company strengthens its partnership with Ant International’s Antom and adopts a new brand name, Doku by Antom. Renuat co-founded Doku in 2007 with Chief Operating Officer Nabilah Alsagoff. The platform was established to provide payment services and risk management solutions for merchants. It supports transactions in multiple foreign currencies and has since grown to serve more than one million Indonesian customers and over 22,000 merchants across the country. In February, Doku signed an agreement with Antom and Ant International to help Indonesian merchants expand their global payment capabilities. The partnership covers international payment processing, access to global consumers, multi-currency solutions and operational services, including treasury and working capital support. The collaboration has now entered a new phase, with Doku rebranding as Doku by Antom to reflect its closer relationship with Ant International and its regional payment processing subsidiary, 2C2P. Under the partnership, Doku will connect its local payment methods, merchant network and regulatory presence in Indonesia with Antom’s global merchant payment platform and Ant International’s wider range of services. These include Alipay+’s unified digital wallet gateway. Despite the rebranding, Doku will continue operating under its own name and existing licences while expanding its products and strengthening its collaboration with 2C2P. Renuat’s appointment follows the departure of former CEO Chris Yeo, who led Doku from 2022. Yeo has moved to lead Antom’s business in the Philippines. In addition to becoming Doku’s CEO, Renuat has also been appointed head of Antom Indonesia. She will oversee the company’s next stage of growth and lead Antom’s business in the Indonesian market, combining her local market experience with Antom’s regional and global capabilities. Moving forward, Doku by Antom plans to expand its services for existing merchants while reaching new industries and exploring additional payment opportunities.

Pacific International Lines (PIL) is preparing for a leadership transition as the Singapore-based container shipping company enters its next phase of growth. The company has announced that Wan Chee Foong will become Deputy Chief Executive Officer on 5 October 2026 before taking over as Chief Executive Officer from Lars Kastrup in April 2027. Kastrup, who has led PIL through a period of financial recovery, fleet expansion and operational improvements, will remain with the company as Advisor to the Board after the transition. The appointment comes as PIL moves beyond rebuilding its financial position and strengthening its shipping capacity. Its next challenge will be to make better use of its global network, assets and customer relationships to support long-term growth. Wan’s appointment is significant because his experience extends beyond traditional shipping operations. His background covers ports, logistics, investment and corporate strategy, giving him a broader understanding of the maritime and supply chain industries. A Career Spanning Ports, Logistics and Investment Wan brings nearly three decades of experience in transportation, logistics and infrastructure-related businesses. During his time at PSA International, one of the world’s leading port operators, he held several senior positions, including Regional CEO for the Middle East and South Asia, Group Business Development Director, and CEO of PSA BDP, PSA’s global supply chain solutions business. These roles gave him experience in port operations, cargo movement, supply chain planning and international logistics. His work at PSA BDP also exposed him to services beyond traditional port operations, including wider supply chain management. Wan also has a background in investment through Temasek, where he focused on transportation and logistics investments from 2003 to 2012. During this period, he was involved in the establishment of SeaTown Holdings. He currently serves as Managing Director of Corporate Strategy at Temasek. His combination of operational, logistics and investment experience is relevant as shipping companies increasingly look beyond vessel operations to strengthen their position in the global trade industry. PIL’s Transformation Under Lars Kastrup Wan will take over a company that has undergone major changes under Kastrup’s leadership. Kastrup joined PIL in 2020 as Senior Advisor before becoming Co-President and Executive Director in 2021. He was appointed CEO in July 2022, leading the company through a period of financial recovery and operational development. PIL’s financial performance improved significantly during his tenure. According to company data, EBITDA rose from US$558 million in FY2023 to US$1.5 billion in FY2025. The company also recorded revenue of US$4.27 billion and profit after tax of US$1.04 billion in FY2025. PIL also expanded and modernised its fleet, increasing container capacity by more than 50% to approximately 500,000 TEU. By the first half of 2026, the company had received 10 LNG dual-fuel container vessels. Another 18 LNG dual-fuel newbuildings and 14 long-term chartered vessels are expected to be delivered by 2029. These investments reflect PIL’s efforts to improve operating efficiency, strengthen its fleet and prepare for the industry’s transition towards lower-emission shipping. The company has also expanded its own and controlled agency network. Around 98% of its cargo volume is now handled through these channels, allowing PIL to maintain greater control over customer relationships and service delivery. With its financial position, fleet and operations strengthened, PIL is now entering a new phase focused on building on these improvements. Why Logistics Experience Matters to Shipping The appointment of Wan reflects the changing direction of the global shipping industry. Major carriers such as Maersk, CMA CGM and MSC have expanded their businesses beyond ocean transportation by investing in ports, logistics, inland transport and integrated supply chain services. Customers increasingly expect more than shipping capacity. They also want reliable services, better cargo visibility and solutions that connect different stages of the supply chain. This presents an opportunity for PIL, which has built its presence through regional expertise, particularly in markets linking Asia with Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and other emerging economies. Rather than competing solely on fleet size with the world’s largest carriers, PIL can focus on strengthening its regional network and developing closer relationships with customers in these markets. Wan’s experience at PSA, PSA BDP and Temasek could help the company explore ways to connect its shipping operations with wider logistics and supply chain services. His background also provides experience in evaluating long-term investments and strategic business opportunities. A New Chapter Ahead of PIL’s 60th Anniversary Founded in Singapore in 1967, PIL will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2027. Over the past six decades, the company has grown from a regional shipping operator into one of Southeast Asia’s recognised container carriers. Today, PIL operates more than 100 container vessels and serves markets across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Oceania and the Pacific Islands. The transition from Kastrup to Wan marks a new stage in the company’s development. Kastrup focused on improving PIL’s financial performance, modernising its fleet and strengthening its operations. Wan will be tasked with building on that progress and identifying new opportunities for sustainable growth. As the shipping industry becomes more connected with ports, logistics and supply chain management, companies will need to strengthen their capabilities across the entire maritime value chain. Wan’s appointment signals PIL’s intention to build on its existing strengths while adapting to the changing demands of global trade as it enters its seventh decade.

Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd (KLK) has appointed Lee Jia Zhang as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 October 2026, as part of the group’s planned leadership succession and commitment to ensuring continuity in its long-term business strategy. New KLK CEO Lee Jia Zhang. Lee, 43, who previously served as the group’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), succeeds his father, Tan Sri Lee Oi Hian, who remains Executive Chairman of KLK. In a statement, KLK said the leadership transition reflects the group’s commitment to maintaining a stable management structure while strengthening its strategic direction and operational performance across its diversified business portfolio. The company highlighted Lee’s extensive experience within the organisation, having held various management and leadership positions since joining KLK in April 2010. Throughout his career, he has developed a comprehensive understanding of the group’s operations, spanning plantations, oleochemicals, refining, property development and corporate management. According to KLK, his broad exposure across these business segments has equipped him with the leadership capabilities and industry knowledge required to guide the group through its next phase of growth. Before joining KLK, Lee began his professional career in auditing, gaining experience with Ernst & Young LLP in the United Kingdom and KPMG in Kuala Lumpur. Following his entry into KLK, he progressively assumed senior management responsibilities, particularly within the group’s oleochemical and corporate divisions. Among his notable appointments was his role as Managing Director of Palm-Oleo Sdn Bhd from January 2017 to December 2018, followed by his appointment as CEO of KLK OLEO, a position he held from April 2022 until September 2024. He was appointed to KLK’s Board of Directors as Executive Director on 16 May 2018 and subsequently assumed the position of COO on 1 October 2021. His experience across these roles has contributed to his understanding of KLK’s business operations, strategic priorities and organisational culture. Beyond his responsibilities within the group, Lee has maintained an active presence in the palm oil and oleochemical industries through various leadership and advisory appointments. He currently serves as Chairman of the ASEAN Oleochemical Manufacturers Group, Secretary and Council Member of the Malaysian Palm Oil Association, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Malaysian Palm Oil Council. His previous industry appointments include Chairman of the Malaysian Oleochemical Manufacturers Group, Board Member of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board and Executive Committee Member of the Chemical Industries Council of Malaysia. These positions reflect his involvement in industry development and engagement with key stakeholders across Malaysia’s palm oil and oleochemical sectors. Commenting on the appointment, KLK Executive Chairman Tan Sri Lee Oi Hian expressed the board’s confidence in Lee’s leadership capabilities and ability to advance the group’s long-term objectives. “Having demonstrated his strong leadership, professional capability and business foresight throughout his service with KLK, the board of directors is delighted to appoint Lee as the incoming CEO,” he said. “We have full confidence that he will build on the strength of the group laid over decades and take KLK towards robust and sustained growth as well as our vision of becoming a globally recognised agri-based organisation, with aspiration to be a beacon of our industry,” he added. Meanwhile, Lee described his appointment as both an honour and a significant responsibility, acknowledging the legacy established by his father and the leadership team over the years. He said it was “both a great privilege and responsibility to take the baton” from Oi Hian as the group’s next CEO. The leadership transition marks a new chapter for KLK as the group continues to pursue its strategic priorities across its core plantation and downstream businesses. With Lee assuming the CEO position and Oi Hian continuing as Executive Chairman, KLK aims to maintain leadership continuity while positioning its operations for sustained growth and long-term value creation. The appointment also underscores the group’s emphasis on developing experienced internal leadership to support its ambition of becoming a globally recognised agri-based organisation.

DFI Retail Group has appointed Kshitij Mulay as group chief digital and yuu rewards officer, effective Sept 17. He succeeds Wee Lee Loh, who is returning to Singapore to be closer to his family after three years with the group. Mulay will be based in Hong Kong and will report to Scott Price, group chief executive, as a member of the management committee. He will take on responsibility for DFI’s digital, yuu, retail analytics and retail media portfolios, following a transition period with Loh to ensure continuity. Group Chief Digital and yuu Rewards Officer of DFI Retail Group – Kshitij Mulay. Mulay joins DFI from Sephora Asia, where he served as chief information officer covering both digital and technology. He brings more than 25 years of international experience leading digital, technology and business transformation across some of the world’s leading consumer and retail organisations, including Sephora and Procter & Gamble. Throughout his career, he has led large-scale transformation programmes spanning digital commerce, data and analytics, AI, customer experience, technology modernisation and organisational change. Most recently, Mulay led Sephora Asia’s digital and technology agenda across a multi-country business, helping drive eCommerce growth, omnichannel innovation, AI-enabled customer experiences and cloud transformation. He is recognised for building high-performing teams and translating technology investments into meaningful business outcomes. Since joining DFI in 2023, Loh has played an important role in advancing the group’s digital transformation journey, with the digital ecosystem expanding to serve millions of loyalty members, process over 100,000 daily eCommerce orders, and scale DFI’s retail media and insights capabilities into a significant new growth avenue for the group. Price said, “I want to thank Wee Lee for his leadership and many contributions over the past three years, including his role in scaling our digital ecosystem and building new growth avenues in retail media. We wish him and his family every success. I’m confident that Mulay’s experience, leadership and passion for innovation will build on these strong foundations and help accelerate our customer, digital and data transformation journey across the group.” This appointment comes as the group delivered strong performance amid an evolving macroeconomic climate in the first half of 2026, underpinned by disciplined execution and a focus on driving higher returns. For the first half of 2026, subsidiary like-for-like (LFL) sales growth from continuing businesses improved further to 3%, according to the company. This was driven by sustained strong momentum in the health and beauty segment, as well as a return to growth in both the convenience and home furnishings businesses. Capturing a significant share of daily essential customer missions in Hong Kong, the DFI Omni Platform — powered by yuu — enables deeper customer engagement across offline and online touchpoints, maximises data capture and unlocks incremental margin opportunities beyond core retail through DFIQ Media and DFIQ Insights. Overall, digital turned profitable, with eCommerce and DFIQ Media contributing approximately 35% of total revenue growth in the first half of 2026. This was supported by improved underlying eCommerce economics, a rising online sales penetration rate of 6.9%, and DFIQ Media revenue growing threefold compared to the first half of 2025. As of June 2026, more than 10,000 digital media-ready screens were available across DFI outlets.

Ikea Malaysia has appointed Takeshi Murai as its country retail director, effective today, succeeding Malcolm Pruys, who has led the Malaysia business since September 2022. The home furnishing retailer said the appointment comes as it enters its next phase of growth, with a focus on affordability, stronger omnichannel experiences and expanding its overall market reach. Country Retail Director of Ikea Malaysia – Takeshi Murai. “Murai’s first major milestones will be the opening of Ikea Kuching in December 2026, Ikea Malaysia’s first store in East Malaysia and its first small-format store,” the company said in a statement, signalling an important expansion for the retailer in the coming months. Murai, who brings nearly two decades of Ikea experience across Asia and Europe, joined the company in Osaka, Japan, in 2008, before going on to take on various retail and market leadership roles in Japan, Sweden and Finland. He relocated to Malaysia in 2024, initially serving as store manager of Ikea Batu Kawan, where he oversaw retail operations and customer experience, before subsequently taking on responsibility for Ikea’s stores across the Klang Valley. Murai said understanding how Malaysians live would remain fundamental to keeping Ikea relevant to their needs in his new role, as the company continues to look for ways to make its products and experiences more affordable and accessible across both its physical stores and digital channels. “Opening Ikea Kuching later this year is an important part of that journey. For the first time, we will bring the physical Ikea store experience to East Malaysia, closer to customers who have known and shopped with us for years. I am excited about what lies ahead and the opportunity to continue growing Ikea Malaysia together with our co-workers, customers and communities,” he said. Pruys, reflecting on his four-year tenure, said he was proud of how Ikea Malaysia had continued to evolve alongside its customers’ changing needs. “As Ikea Malaysia moves into its next chapter, I believe the business is in a strong position to keep growing in ways that are relevant, accessible and meaningful. Takeshi knows Ikea, he knows Malaysia, and most importantly, he understands that everything we do starts with the many people and how they live at home,” he said.

AmanahRaya Real Estate Investment Trust (AmanahRaya REIT) Managing Director Datuk Mohd Iskandar Dzulkarnain Ramli will resign from his position effective Sept 1, 2026, following his appointment as Group Managing Director of Amanah Raya Berhad. AmanahRaya REIT said the 42-year-old had served as Managing Director of AmanahRaya-Kenedix REIT Manager Sdn Bhd (AKRM), the manager of AmanahRaya REIT, since March 2025, after previously holding the position of Acting Managing Director. Group Managing Director of AmanahRaya Real Estate Investment Trust (AmanahRaya REIT) – Datuk Mohd Iskandar Dzulkarnain Ramli. Iskandar brings extensive experience spanning internal audit, risk management, corporate strategy and financial planning, having built a diverse career across multiple industries and organisations. He began his career in May 2008 as an Internal Audit Executive at Sapura Crest Petroleum Berhad, before moving into risk management roles at Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor Berhad and companies within the Khazanah Nasional Berhad group. In 2014, he joined Bina Darulaman Berhad, where he led the Group Corporate Planning and Enterprise Risk Management Department. He was subsequently promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2018, before taking on the role of Chief Corporate Officer/Executive Vice President 1 – Strategy, Finance and Corporate Services in 2020, reflecting a steady progression through increasingly senior leadership positions. He also previously served as Group Chief Corporate Services Officer at Amanah Raya Berhad, giving him prior familiarity with the organisation ahead of his new appointment as its Group Managing Director. During his tenure at AKRM, Iskandar was involved in driving corporate initiatives, strengthening regulatory compliance and enhancing the REIT manager’s market positioning, with a particular focus on growth, operational performance and long-term sustainability, contributing meaningfully to the REIT’s overall direction and strategic development. Iskandar holds a Bachelor of Accounting from the International Islamic University Malaysia and is a Certified Chartered Financial Modelling Professional. He is also a member of the Malaysian Association of Risk and Insurance Management, rounding out a professional profile well suited to his expanded leadership responsibilities at Amanah Raya Berhad.

Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd has named Datuk Wan Mohd Fadzmi Che Wan Othman Fadzilah as its new independent and non-executive chairman, with the appointment taking effect on Thursday, Aug 27. Chairman of Bank Islam – Wan Mohd Fadzmi. He succeeds Tan Sri Ismail Bakar, who retired from the position on Aug 22 after six years at the helm. According to a bourse filing on Wednesday, Wan Mohd Fadzmi brings more than 30 years of domestic and international banking experience, having held various senior leadership roles at Malayan Banking Bhd and RHB Bank Bhd. He also previously served as president and CEO of Agrobank. He currently sits on the boards of Zurich Takaful Malaysia Bhd, Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Bhd, Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd, and publicly listed Hap Seng Consolidated Bhd. “His past directorships include, among others, the chairman of the Labuan Financial Services Authority and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp Malaysia Bhd, as well as an independent non-executive director of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd,” the filing added. Bank Islam shares closed two sen, or 0.95%, higher at RM2.13 on Wednesday, valuing the group at RM4.83 billion.

United Overseas Bank (UOB) has appointed Tan Choon Hin as its Head of ASEAN and Greater China, effective September 1, 2026. The senior role is designed to help UOB capture growing trade, investment and wealth flows between the two regions as the bank pursues its ambition to become the leading financial institution in ASEAN. In this position, Tan will oversee UOB’s regional business across seven markets, including its subsidiaries in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and mainland China, as well as its branches in Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan. He will work closely with country CEOs to strengthen collaboration, accelerate cross-border revenue opportunities and support the bank’s long-term growth strategy. Tan will also oversee UOB’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Advisory unit, which connects companies to industry networks to facilitate cross-border expansion. Over the past six months, the unit has supported more than 300 expansion plans worth a projected S$5.6 billion, as FDI flows into ASEAN continue to grow. Tan, who currently serves as UOB’s Deputy Chief Risk Officer, will report to Wee Ee Cheong, UOB’s Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and will join the bank’s Management Executive Committee. “ASEAN is at the heart of UOB’s growth strategy and is becoming an increasingly important global economic hub,” said Wee Ee Cheong. “Choon Hin’s regional leadership experience positions him well to accelerate growth across our franchise.” Tan brings more than 30 years of banking, credit and risk management experience across ASEAN and Greater China. He joined UOB in 2012, later led Group Business Banking, and became CEO of UOB Thailand in 2016, growing the unit into the country’s second-largest foreign bank. Tan returned to Singapore in 2024 to take up his current role. UOB operates approximately 430 branches and offices across 19 markets spanning Southeast Asia, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America, and holds top ratings from Moody’s, S&P and Fitch.