Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has appointed its COO Izham Ismail as executive director and group CEO-designate effective October 20, in the wake of the resignation of its CEO, Peter Bellew, who will return to Ryanair on December 1 to assume the role of COO.
A statement said Izham’s appointment is in line with the 12-point MAS Recovery Plan (MRP), which provides for the development and succession of Malaysian leadership talent.
To ensure a smooth transition, a Board Executive Committee will be in place for up to six months, to be led by chairman Md Nor Yusof.
Izham will assume the role of group CEO on December 1 when Bellew, who is currently on administrative leave, leaves.
The statement said Izham has been integral to the airline’s ongoing turnaround effort. As COO, he was responsible for the operations division, which includes flight and airport operations as well as engineering. He led the restructuring of the engineering division for more efficient and leaner operations, and was also responsible for the airline’s fuel savings initiative
He has 38 years of experience in the aviation industry, having started his career with MAS as a pilot in 1979. He broke world aviation records when he flew MAS’ first B777-200 eastward from Seattle to Kuala Lumpur and back. The flight set new world records for longest flight and fastest round-the-world flight by a commercial airliner, with a total flight time of 41 hours 59 minutes over a distance of 23,310 miles.
Appointed to a management position just 10 years after joining MAS, he has climbed through the ranks over the years, including as senior instructor pilot, fleet manager and director of operations. Prior to becoming COO in 2016, he served as CEO of MASwings, MAS’ sister company in Sabah and Sarawak.
Izham said: “I am extremely honoured to be entrusted with this position. My entire career has been spent with Malaysia Airlines and it is very much my family. Helming the national airline is a big responsibility. I am humbled and at the same time, ready for the challenge. We are on track towards a full and complete transformation as outlined in the MRP, and I am looking forward to working with my MH colleagues to make this airline the pride of the nation again.”
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president, KL Tan said: “It is good to know that transformation is on track and in a matter of time, Malaysia Airlines will return to profitability.
“We have every confidence in Captain Izham and that he is the right man for the job. Technically, it is the board of directors’ responsibility to ensure Malaysia Airlines success and direction. We look forward to the national carrier improving and increasing air connectivity which is crucial for boosting tourism. We wish Peter Bellew the very best.”
