India, 12 November 2025: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has announced that Datuk Captain Izham Ismail will retire from his role as Group Managing Director effective 31 January 2026, concluding a career of over four decades with the company. Following the Group’s succession plan, the Board of Directors has appointed Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar as President and Group Chief Executive Officer, a new designation that succeeds the former Group Managing Director position.
Datuk Captain Izham began his career with Malaysia Airlines as a pilot in 1979 and steadily advanced through multiple leadership roles before becoming Group Managing Director on 1 December 2017, making him MAG’s longest-serving chief executive. During his tenure, he oversaw key financial restructuring and operational improvements, helping to stabilise the Group’s performance and return it to profitability. His leadership was credited with laying the foundation for MAG’s next stage of growth and operational efficiency.
Captain Nasaruddin, also known as Captain Nasa, brings more than three decades of experience within MAG, having held various operational and strategic positions across the Group. He most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of Malaysia Airlines, leading initiatives such as the MASwings turnaround in 2022 and the implementation of the Long-Term Business Plan 2.0 (LTBP2.0). In his new role as President and Group CEO, he will oversee the execution of MAG’s strategic priorities, focusing on operational excellence, customer experience, and sustainable growth across both airline and non-airline businesses.
MAG operates three main business portfolios: Airlines, Loyalty and Travel Services (LTS), and Aviation Services. The airline division includes Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and MASwings, serving domestic, regional, and global markets. Aviation Services covers maintenance, cargo, ground handling, and training, while the LTS division provides travel solutions and loyalty programs, including Journify, Enrich, MHholidays, and Firefly Holidays.
Board member Dato’ Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, also Managing Director of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, expressed gratitude to Captain Izham for his long service, noting his contributions to operational improvements, financial stability, and the Group’s strategic direction. He also welcomed Captain Nasa, highlighting his experience, familiarity with MAG’s culture, and ability to lead the organisation in a competitive aviation landscape.
Captain Nasa’s appointment ensures continuity in leadership while advancing MAG’s strategic agenda. He will work closely with management teams across the Group and its three profit centres Airline Business, Loyalty and Travel Services, and Aviation Services to support growth, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
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