PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has announced that Datuk Izham Ismail will be retiring from his position as group managing director effective Jan 31, 2026, following a career spanning more than four decades with the company.
In line with the group’s strategic succession plan, MAG said it had appointed Nasaruddin A. Bakar as president and group chief executive officer, a new designation succeeding the former group managing director.
“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 Dec 1, 2017, making him the company’s longest-serving chief executive to date.
“During his tenure, Izham oversaw key financial restructuring and operational improvement efforts that helped return MAG to profitability in recent years.”
MAG said its stronger financial position now puts it in a better position to embark on its next phase of growth towards improved performance and more sustainable operations under new leadership.
“Nasaruddin, a home-grown leader with more than three decades of experience across flight operations, management and strategic roles within MAG, has held several leadership positions within the group, 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, including the successful turnaround of MASwings in 2022 and the implementation of profit-driven structures under the Long-Term Business Plan 2.0 (LTBP2.0),” said MAG.
As president and group chief executive officer, MAG said Nasaruddin 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 LTBP3.0 and strengthens its position as a leading aviation group.
“Nasaruddin’s appointment marks an important milestone in MAG’s ongoing evolution, ensuring continuity in leadership and execution across the Group’s portfolio of businesses.
“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.
