KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has appointed Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar as its president and group chief executive officer (CEO), effective February 1, 2026, a new designation succeeding the former group managing director position.
It said Datuk Captain Izham Ismail will retire from his position as the group managing director on January 31, 2026, following an accomplished career spanning more than four decades with the company.
Captain Izham began his career with Malaysia Airlines as a pilot in 1979 and rose through the ranks to hold various key leadership roles before being appointed as the group managing director on December 1, 2017, making him the company’s longest-serving chief executive to date.
“During his tenure, Captain Izham oversaw key financial restructuring and operational improvement efforts that helped return MAG to profitability in recent years,” MAG said in a statement today.
MAG added that its stronger financial position now puts it in a better standing to embark on its next phase of growth towards improved performance and more sustainable operations under new leadership.
Nasaruddin, who has over three decades of experience across flight operations, management, and strategic roles within MAG, has held several leadership positions within the group, most recently as Malaysia Airlines' chief operating officer.
As president and group CEO, he will oversee the execution of MAG’s strategic priorities, driving operational excellence, customer experience, and sustainable growth across both its airlines and non-airlines portfolio, as the group advances its Long-Term Business Plan 3.0 (LTBP3.0) and strengthens its position as a leading aviation group.
“Nasaruddin will be supported by a strong and capable management team across the group and three profit centres, namely Airline Business, Loyalty and Travel Services, and Aviation Services,” it said.
MAG board member and Khazanah Nasional Bhd managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir said 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.
“On behalf of the board and the entire MAG family, we extend our sincere gratitude to 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,” he added.
