AirAsia appoints Neelofa as non-executive independent director

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia has appointed actress and entrepreneur Noor Neelofa Mohd Noor (pix) as its non-executive independent director.

The appointment was unanimously approved by the board members.

"The board members and I are delighted to welcome Neelofa onboard as non-executive independent director. She is a great addition to the board," said AirAsia Group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes in a statement on Friday.

"Her experience as an entrepreneur, a brand creator and an industry disruptor will be invaluable to AirAsia, and she will be able to provide fresh insights into our business as we transform into a digital airline," said Fernandes.

Fernandes said that Neelofa is "super smart, young and independent" which is what AirAsia needs to stay ahead.

"Her reputation as Malaysia’s leading businesswomen, one of the few Malaysians named by Forbes Asia in their 30 Under 30, and her track record in championing women in business is an inspiration to us. I look forward to working with Neelofa," he said.

Neelofa said that she is "delighted" to take on the challenge as non-executive independent director and to join the AirAsia family.

"This is not only an achievement for me, but for all women out there. For the past seven years, I have explored both the entertainment and business industries which have presented me with so many opportunities to grow and to transform," she said.

"I’m excited to take on this brand new role, to challenge myself to go further and also to grow as a person.

"I am also excited to represent the Gen Y and our insights for the business. Thank you again AirAsia and I can’t wait to fly together with you," said Neelofa.

Neelofa, a successful celebrity turned entrepreneur, has successfully built a business empire centred around the Naelofar Hijab brand.

The brand of Muslim headscarves was reportedly on track to rake in RM200mil in sales this year.

Naelofar Hijab is available in 37 countries, including the US, UK, France, Australia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Brunei.

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia on Friday (Dec 8), AirAsia announced the resignation of Aireen Omar and Tharumalingam Kanagalingam from the board to allow for more independent directors in order to enhance corporate governance and compliance.

This is in accordance to the newly-released Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance (MCCG) by The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC).

This move will also enable Aireen and Tharumalingam to focus on the transformation and ambitious growth plans for the company.