KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Wira Azhar Abdul Hamid is now the new chairman of Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) effective today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced his appointment in a statement.
Azhar, former Malakoff Corp Bhd managing director, takes over from FGV acting chairman Tan Sri Sulaiman Mahbob, aged 67, who is also a non-executive director with FGV.
“I am confident that with his vast experience, Azhar will effectively helm FGV and at the same time, enhance investor confidence which would translate into a more stronger share price for the company,” Najib said.
As a listed company with the bulk of its shares owned by the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), he added, FGV is critical for the benefits of Felda communities.
Najib also thanked Sulaiman, who was the acting chairman since June 19, for his contribution despite being occupied with the responsibility as Telekom Malaysia Bhd chairman.
Sulaiman was appointed as a director of FGV on March 15, 2014. Since June 20 this year, Sulaiman had been chairing FGV board of directors when the Prime Minister’s Office announced he would be taking over the chairmanship from Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad.
When contacted by NST Business yesterday, Azhar expressed his gratitude to Najib for this appointment.
“Yes, I met up with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib last night.
“I would like to thank Datuk Seri Najib for his confidence in me to take on this position at FGV. I welcome the challenge and I will do my level best in leading FGV team to maximise the company’s asset potentials,” Azhar said.