The Board of Directors of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) announced that Datuk Captain Izham Ismail will be retiring from his position as Group Managing Director effective 31 January 2026.
This follows an accomplished career spanning more than four decades with the company.
Who was Datuk Captain Izham Ismail?
To take over, the Board has appointed Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar (also known as ‘Captain Nasa’) as President and Group Chief Executive Officer. This is a new designation succeeding the former Group Managing Director.
Datuk Captain Izham began his career with Malaysia Airlines as a pilot in 1979. He rose through the ranks to hold various key leadership roles before eventually being appointed as the Group Managing Director on 1 December 2017, making him the company’s longest-serving chief executive to date.
During his tenure at the company, Captain Izham oversaw key financial restructuring and operational improvement efforts that helped return MAG to profitability in recent years.
Who is the new CEO of Malaysia Airlines?
Captain Nasa, a homegrown leader with more than three decades of experience, has held several leadership positions within MAG, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of Malaysia Airlines. He brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of MAG’s business, culture and strategic ambitions, having led multiple transformation initiatives.
As President and Group CEO, Captain Nasa will oversee the execution of MAG’s strategic priorities, driving operational excellence and sustainable growth across both its airlines and non-airlines portfolio.
Dato’ Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, Board Member of MAG and Managing Director of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, said:
“On behalf of the Board and the entire MAG family, we extend our sincere gratitude to Datuk Captain Izham for his outstanding service and leadership. He has exemplified relentless commitment, integrity and passion in guiding MAG through pivotal periods of transformation and growth. His tenure has strengthened the Group, defined its strategic direction and fostered a high-performance culture that positions MAG for continued success. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours.
We are pleased to welcome Captain Nasa as President and Group CEO of Malaysia Aviation Group. He brings extensive experience within the Group and a deep understanding of the business and industry. The Board has full confidence in his leadership to advance MAG’s strategic priorities and strengthen the Group’s position in a competitive global aviation landscape.”
What do you think of MAG’s new president, Captain Nasa? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
