The Executives

Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (F&N) has appointed Tarang Gupta as chief executive officer-designate, effective July 1, 2026, as part of a planned leadership transition. In a Bursa Malaysia filing, the food and beverage group said Gupta will succeed Lim Yew Hoe, who will retire as CEO on Sept 30, 2026. Gupta is scheduled to assume the CEO role on Oct 1, 2026. Gupta brings more than 24 years of experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, with a track record in driving growth and transformation across Asia and Africa. F&N said he has held senior leadership positions managing complex organisations, with end-to-end responsibility for commercial performance, operational excellence and capability development. His experience spans multiple consumer categories, including dairy and nutrition, where he led market expansion initiatives, strengthened execution discipline and built resilient supply chain platforms. He previously served as managing director of Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd for Malaysia and Singapore. F&N said Lim will continue to lead the group during the transition period and will work closely with Gupta to ensure a smooth and orderly handover. Lim noted that the company is well-positioned for its next phase of growth and expressed confidence in Gupta’s leadership. Gupta said he looks forward to working closely with Lim and the leadership team to further strengthen the group’s capabilities and drive continued growth.

Former Bank Islam Group Chief Executive Officer Mohd Muazzam Mohamed has been appointed to the board of the Consumer Credit Commission, strengthening the newly established regulator overseeing non-bank consumer credit providers in Malaysia. The Consumer Credit Commission, also known as the Suruhanjaya Kredit Pengguna, was set up to regulate and supervise consumer credit activities outside the traditional banking system. Its scope includes monitoring non-bank lenders and other credit providers to promote responsible lending practices and enhance consumer protection across the sector. Earlier, the commission named former Bank Negara Malaysia Assistant Governor Abu Hassan Alshari Yahaya as its first Executive Chairman, marking a key step in forming the leadership team for the new regulatory body. The appointments follow the enforcement of the Consumer Credit Act 2025, which came into effect on 1 March 2026. The implementation of the Act formally marks the start of the commission’s operations as Malaysia’s dedicated authority overseeing consumer credit providers beyond banks and financial institutions. The move is part of broader efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight and improve transparency within the country’s fast-growing consumer credit landscape. Muazzam stepped down as Group CEO of Bank Islam in December 2025 after serving nearly a decade with the Islamic banking group. During his tenure, he led various strategic initiatives, including strengthening the bank’s digital capabilities and expanding its presence in the Islamic financial services sector. He will be succeeded by YM Raja Datin Paduka Teh Maimunah Raja Abdul Aziz, who is set to assume the role of Group Chief Executive Officer effective 1 April 2026.

NetApp Malaysia has appointed Moti Uttam as its Country Manager, strengthening the company’s push to support organisations building data foundations for artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation. The appointment comes as Malaysia accelerates efforts to become an AI-driven economy, with businesses increasing investments in data infrastructure to boost productivity and innovation. In his new role, Moti will oversee NetApp’s operations in Malaysia, focusing on expanding customer and partner engagement, driving business growth, and increasing adoption of the company’s data management and AI solutions across key industries. “I am honoured to take on this role at such a pivotal time for Malaysia. The country’s bold ambitions are driving momentum towards an AI-driven economy, and data sits at the core of that transformation,” he said. He added that he plans to work closely with customers and partners to help Malaysian enterprises build intelligent data infrastructure, enabling them to deploy AI securely and at scale. Moti brings more than 25 years of experience in the technology sector, having previously held leadership roles at Hitachi Vantara and Dell EMC. He was most recently Chief Technology and Operations Officer at Tao Bin Malaysia, where he helped develop a cloud-based robotic retail platform powered by AI and IoT. NetApp Senior Director for ASEAN Angeline Lim said the appointment comes as Malaysia continues to advance its digital economy and expand national AI capabilities. She noted that Moti’s local market expertise and industry experience will help strengthen NetApp’s role in supporting organisations as they build data-driven capabilities aligned with national priorities.

Berjaya Property Bhd, formerly Berjaya Land Bhd, has appointed Johor princess Tunku Tun Aminah Sultan Ibrahim as its new non-independent non-executive chairman, filling a role that had been vacant for more than two years. The appointment takes effect immediately, according to a Bursa Malaysia filing on Thursday. She succeeds Tun Richard Malanjum, who retired on Dec 12, 2023. Tunku Aminah, 39, is the only daughter of Malaysia’s current King, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. Her appointment comes two days after she was named chairman of U Mobile Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s 5G network provider. She has extensive experience leading private organisations across multiple industries and serves on the boards of numerous companies, including Berjaya Corporation Bhd, REDtone Digital Bhd, Berjaya Assets Bhd, Berjaya Group Bhd, Berjaya Capital Bhd, Berjaya Hartanah Bhd, Berjaya Japan Developments Bhd, Bukit Kiara Resort Bhd, U Mobile, and Berjaya Times Square Bhd. She also holds the KFC franchise in Stulang Laut, Johor Bahru. Tunku Aminah and Berjaya Group founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan co-founded Mawar Setia Sdn Bhd, which controls 50% of U Mobile following a deal with Singapore Technologies Telemedia (ST Media), a Temasek Holdings unit. She currently holds 702,000 shares in Berjaya Rail, a unit of Berjaya Property. Berjaya Property shares closed 0.5 sen, or 2%, higher at 26 sen on Thursday, giving the company a market value of RM1.3 billion.

Datuk Mohd Nazrul Izam Mansor has been appointed as the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MMC Corp Bhd, effective 9 March 2026. He succeeds Tan Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh and will oversee the conglomerate’s diverse operations spanning ports, engineering, utilities, and waste management services across Malaysia. Nazrul, 51, brings more than 27 years of extensive experience in finance, governance, and corporate leadership, having held senior positions across government-linked companies, listed entities, and private organisations. He previously served as Group CEO of FGV Holdings Bhd from 2021 to 2024, leading the agribusiness group through complex operational and stakeholder initiatives. Prior to that, he was Group CEO of Felcra Bhd from 2018 to 2021, where he managed plantation and agribusiness projects benefiting over 112,000 rural participants. Earlier in his career, Nazrul held key finance and management roles, including Group Chief Financial Officer at Realmild Sdn Bhd in 2010, Director of Finance at independent power producer NUR Power Sdn Bhd in 2013, and Managing Director at Teras Dara Konsortium Sdn Bhd in 2018. His leadership experience spans corporate strategy, financial management, and sustainability initiatives aligned with global best practices. MMC Corp Bhd is a leading infrastructure conglomerate in Malaysia, with strategic holdings in ports, utilities, and engineering businesses. Its port operations are managed under MMC Port Holdings Bhd, which operates major ports including Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Penang Port, Johor Port, Northport, Tanjung Bruas Port, and Andaman Port. The group also owns Alam Flora Sdn Bhd, one of Malaysia’s largest providers of municipal waste collection and environmental services. With Nazrul at the helm, MMC Corp is expected to continue driving operational excellence, growth, and sustainable development across its diversified portfolio of strategic infrastructure assets.

NexG Bhd, the company holding government contracts for Malaysian passports and identity cards, announced that six of its directors have resigned with immediate effect, amid an ongoing boardroom dispute. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia on Wednesday, NexG said the six directors — Syed Farid Syed Ahmad Al-Attas, Kunal Tayal, Aswath Ramakrishnan, Mohd Zafil Ibrahim, Mohamed Fairuz Mohamed Fauzy, and Badrul Hisham Abdul Aziz — stepped down to pursue other interests. The resignations come shortly after executive chairman and chief executive officer Datuk Abu Hanifah Noordin had sought their removal through an extraordinary general meeting (EGM). The proposal was made together with Velocity Capital Sdn Bhd and Siti Nur Aishah Ishak, who collectively hold at least 10% of the company’s shares. Another director who was also proposed for removal, executive director Datuk Chong Loong Men, had earlier resigned on March 8. Following the mass resignations, NexG also announced that the board had decided to reinstate Hanifah’s executive powers and responsibilities with immediate effect, just a week after he was suspended. According to the company, the decision was made after further deliberation by the board and taking into account progress in an ongoing internal review. NexG said it remains committed to maintaining strong corporate governance, accountability, and transparency while ensuring the review process continues in accordance with established procedures. Hanifah had been suspended on March 5 as part of the board’s review into the company’s investments in other listed companies. The suspension was intended to allow a review committee and its advisers to carry out their work independently. The dispute follows the emergence of Raya Aviation Holdings, linked to businessman Datuk Ishak Ismail, as NexG’s largest shareholder. Raya Aviation acquired a 20.4% stake in the company through the takeover of two private firms — Skyelimit Alliance Sdn Bhd and Trendtrove Tradin Sdn Bhd. NexG had earlier appointed an external professional to verify the shareholding changes related to Raya Aviation’s acquisition. Hanifah had previously opposed the board’s plan to subcontract certain government contracts to third parties, claiming this disagreement led to his suspension. He also alleged that several former directors, independent directors, and senior management members had left the company under questionable circumstances. NexG currently holds government contracts worth RM2.46 billion for the supply of Malaysian passport booklets and national identity cards. Shares in NexG rose 0.5 sen, or 1.8%, to 28.5 sen ahead of the announcement, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM1.06 billion.

Farm Fresh Bhd has named independent director Datuk Quaza Nizamuddin A Hassan Nizam as the new chairman of the Johor-based dairy producer. The former director-general of the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia will assume the independent non-executive chairman post with immediate effect, according to a filing with Bursa Malaysia on Monday. According to Farm Fresh’s 2025 annual report, Quaza, 69,  was first appointed to the board in September 2021. He has more than 37 years of experience in veterinary medicine and livestock production. He began his career with the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services as a veterinary officer in Negeri Sembilan from 1984 to 1989, and rose through the ranks to become director-general, a position he held from 2017 until his retirement in 2020. Currently, he serves as an adjunct professor at Taylor’s University Malaysia and as a director of the Malaysian Equine Council. He also holds directorships in several private companies. Quaza succeeds Tan Sri Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas, who passed away from cancer in December last year. Shares in Farm Fresh fell two sen, or 0.8%, to close at RM2.49 on Monday, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM4.69 billion. Year to date, the stock has declined more than 12%.

CJ Century Logistics Holdings Bhd announced that its long-serving chief executive officer Steven Teow Choo Hing has stepped down from his role on Feb 28, 2026, after nearly three decades with the company. Teow, 66, had been a key figure in the group’s leadership since joining the board on July 28, 1997, when the company was still known as Century Logistics Holdings Bhd, according to its latest annual report. Over the years, he played a central role in steering the company’s development and expansion in Malaysia’s logistics and supply chain sector. The company said Teow stepped down to pursue personal interests following a long tenure with the group. Taking over the role is Melissa Khoo Lay Geok, who officially assumed the position of chief executive officer on March 1, 2026, according to a filing with Bursa Malaysia. Khoo brings with her more than 30 years of experience in logistics and supply chain management across the Asia-Pacific region, positioning her to lead the company in its next phase of growth. The company did not disclose the reason for the timing of the announcement regarding the leadership transition. In recent months, Teow had also reduced his shareholding in the company. On Dec 31, 2025, he sold 44.87 million shares, equivalent to a 7.71% stake, bringing his holdings below the threshold required to be considered a substantial shareholder. Subsequently, on Jan 19, 2026, he disposed of another five million shares, leaving him with a remaining 0.144% stake in the company. The shares were sold at 56.4 sen per share to CJ Logistics Asia Pte Ltd, which raised the South Korean logistics group’s stake in CJ Century Logistics from 55.09% to 62.8%. The increased stake further strengthens the position of CJ Logistics, part of South Korea’s CJ Group, as the controlling shareholder of the Malaysian logistics firm. Shares of CJ Century Logistics closed unchanged at 16 sen on Monday, giving the company a market capitalisation of approximately RM93.1 million. The stock has gained 3.23% year-to-date.

Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank), a subsidiary of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB) Group, has appointed Zulkiflee Hashim as its new Chairman, effective 6 March 2026. In a statement, SME Bank said the appointment is aimed at providing strategic leadership and guidance as the bank continues to focus on supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and fostering sustainable economic growth. Hashim has been with SME Bank since March 2019 as an Independent Non-Executive Director, where he contributed to the bank’s governance and strategic oversight. He brings over 35 years of banking experience, having held senior roles at Citibank Malaysia, Deutsche Bank Malaysia, and Hong Leong Bank Berhad. At Hong Leong Bank, he served as Executive Director from 1998 to 2011 and later as COO of Group Strategic Support until his retirement in 2015. Currently, Hashim is an Independent Non-Executive Director at Hong Leong MSIG Takaful Berhad and Al Rajhi Banking & Investment Corporation (Malaysia) Bhd. He has also previously served on the boards of GuocoLand (Malaysia) Berhad and Hong Leong Bank Berhad.

The chief executive officer of Malaysian palm oil producer FGV Holdings Bhd, Datuk Fakhrunniam Othman, has confirmed his resignation from the company. In a brief response, Fakhrunniam acknowledged the move but did not provide further details regarding the reasons for his departure. His resignation comes about six months after FGV was delisted by its majority shareholder, the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda). The government had previously indicated that Felda planned to restructure the company and realign its operations with its original mission of prioritising the interests of Felda settlers, the smallholder farmers associated with the agency. Sources familiar with the matter said the company’s management dynamics shifted following the delisting, with the board taking a more active role in overseeing operational matters. One source said Fakhrunniam’s decision to step down may have been influenced by the greater involvement of the board in management decisions, which made it increasingly difficult for him to carry out his responsibilities effectively. He is understood to have left the company on Feb 27. It is also understood that the contracts of several members of the leadership team were not renewed, reflecting a shift in priorities by the board. In the absence of a chief executive, FGV’s board has assumed executive oversight of the company through a three-member committee responsible for managing operations. FGV, once among the world’s largest palm oil producers, made headlines with its 2012 listing, which was one of the biggest initial public offerings globally at the time. However, the company later faced financial challenges and governance issues, leading to significant losses. In 2020, the group also faced allegations of forced labour on its plantations, resulting in a ban on imports of its products by the United States. The restriction was lifted in January this year after authorities determined that the company had taken sufficient steps to address the concerns.