Axiata Group Berhad has announced the appointment of Nik Rizal Kamil Nik Ibrahim Kamil as its new Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, effective 1 June 2026.
He will succeed Vivek Sood, who has led the Group since 2023.
Nik Rizal joined Axiata in January 2024 as Group Chief Financial Officer. He brings extensive experience in business finance, investments and accounting, and currently serves on the boards of several Axiata subsidiaries, including CelcomDigi, PT XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera, Robi Axiata, EDOTCO Group and Link Net.
Prior to joining Axiata, Nik Rizal was Group Chief Financial Officer at RHB Bank from 2021. He also previously served as Executive Director of Investments at Khazanah Nasional, where he oversaw investment and divestment initiatives across the telecommunications, media and technology sectors.
His earlier career includes board roles at Telekom Malaysia and Astro, as well as nearly a decade with Royal Dutch Shell in Malaysia, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
Nik Rizal holds a Master of Science in Finance from London Business School and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Economics and Accounting from the University of Bristol. He is a Fellow Chartered Accountant and Business Finance Professional with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), and a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.
Axiata chairman Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan said the Board is confident that Nik Rizal’s experience within the Group, the industry and among key stakeholders will position Axiata for sustained performance and long-term value creation.
Nik Rizal said he was honoured by the Board’s confidence and looks forward to working closely with Vivek Sood and the management team to ensure continuity and a smooth leadership transition.
