Malaysia Airlines CEO Peter Bellew resigned last week, midway through a three-year contract that was supposed to end June 2019.
Bellew, who joined the national flag carrier in 2015 as its chief operating officer before replacing Christoph Mueller in July 2016, is returning to Ryanair as the budget airline's chief operations officer starting Dec. 1.
"Peter has an unrivalled knowledge of our business model and how we maintain controlled growth," said Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary.
The Board of Directors (Board) of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) and Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) has announced Captain Izham Ismail as Executive Director and Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) designate with immediate effect.
Currently the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Captain Izham’s appointment is in line with the succession plan that MAB has put in place as part of the 12-point MAS Recovery Plan (MRP), which provides for the development and succession of Malaysian leadership talent.
To ensure a smooth transition, a Board Executive Committee will be in place for up to six months. It will be led by Chairman Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof and will include Board members Tan Sri Krishnan Tan Boon Seng, Tan Sri Zamzamzairani Isa and Mr. Sheranjiv Sammanthan.
Captain Izham will assume the role of GCEO on 1 December 2017 upon the departure of Peter Bellew who is currently on administrative leave.
Captain Izham said: “I am extremely honoured to be entrusted with this position. My entire career has been spent with Malaysia Airlines and it is very much my family. Helming the national airline is a big responsibility. I am humbled and at the same time, ready for the challenge. We are on track towards a full and complete transformation as outlined in the MRP, and I am looking forward to working with my MH colleagues to make this airline the pride of the nation again.”