South East Asian Flag Carrier Announces CEO Leadership Change in 2026

Malaysia – Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has announced a major leadership transition, with Datuk Captain Izham Ismail set to retire as Group Managing Director on 31 January 2026, concluding a four-decade career with Malaysia Airlines and its parent group. In line with MAG’s long-term succession plan, the Board has appointed Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar (“Captain Nasa”) as President and Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 February 2026.

• Captain Izham, who began his career as a pilot in 1979, is MAG’s longest-serving chief executive. Appointed Group Managing Director in 2017, he led extensive financial restructuring and operational improvements that enabled MAG to return to sustained profitability, delivering three consecutive profitable years.

• Captain Nasa, currently the Chief Operating Officer of Malaysia Airlines, is a home-grown leader with more than 30 years of operational and strategic experience within MAG. He has held multiple senior roles, including leading the turnaround of MASwings in 2022 and driving profit-focused structures under LTBP2.0.

• As President and Group CEO, he will oversee MAG’s full portfolio, including the Group’s three profit centres: Airline Business, Loyalty and Travel Services, and Aviation Services, ensuring continuity in execution and long-term strategic alignment.

Statements

• “He has exemplified relentless commitment, integrity and passion in guiding MAG through pivotal periods of transformation and growth… His tenure has strengthened the Group and defined its strategic direction,” said Dato’ Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, MAG Board Member and Managing Director of Khazanah Nasional Berhad. “He has guided the Group to profitability and positioned us strongly for the future. We welcome Captain Nasa to continue this momentum as MAG advances its strategic ambitions,” he added.

Source: Malaysia Aviation Group