Malaysia's AirAsia Unveils Leadership Changes

SEPANG, Malaysia -- Malaysia's AirAsia Bhd. (5099.KU), Asia's largest low-cost airline by passenger volume, announced a slew of senior leadership changes as part of its growth strategy.

AirAsia Group Chief Executive Tony Fernandes, who is also co-founder of the airline, said in a press briefing that the current CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, Aireen Omar, will be promoted to group deputy CEO of digital, transformation and corporate services, effective Jan. 10.

She will lead nonairline units, such as loyalty program BIG Loyalty, all of which the airline plans to monetize in the future, Mr. Fernandes said.

Riad Asmat will succeed Ms. Aireen as CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, effective Jan. 10, Mr. Fernandes said.

He also announced the appointment of Capt. Adrian Jenkins, current group director of flight operations, as COO. He will be in charge of ground operations.

Rozman Omar, current deputy group CEO of strategy and mergers and acquisition, will be appointed executive director of AirAsia International Ltd., a holding company of all AirAsia group investments in its overseas joint ventures.

Mr. Rozman will be responsible for the consolidation of AirAsia's units in Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia under one listed holding company, to be called One AirAsia, Mr. Fernandes said.

Write to Yantoultra Ngui at Yantoultra.Ngui@wsj.com.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

December 13, 2017 01:29 ET (06:29 GMT)