KUALA LUMPUR: PETRONAS Dagangan Bhd (PDB) has announced the appointment of Azrul Osman Rani as its new managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) effective January 1, 2020.
He is currently Petronas Refinery and Petrochemical Corporation (PRPC) commercial development and joint-venture (JV) formation head, with a second role as PRPC utilities and facilities CEO.
A Petronas scholar, Azrul began his career at PDB’s Retail Business before making his mark as a trader at Malaysian International Trading Corporation Sdn Bhd (MITCO), marketing various petrochemical products for Indonesia market.
From 2014 to 2018, he spearheaded the strategic negotiation that led to the formation of the JVbetween Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Saudi Aramco within the Pengerang Integrated Complex, Petronas’ largest downstream investment worth US$27 billion.
Azrul takes over the helm from Datuk Sri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed M Tahir, who was appointed as MD/CEO in June 2018.
“Azrul has had an illustrative career in Petronas in the marketing and commercial segment, ranging from trading activities, mergers and acquisitions, as well as negotiations that will complement the dynamics of the business.
“With over 23 years of experience in oil and gas business, I look forward to Azrul taking PDB to the next level of growth,” Syed Zainal said.
Under Syed Zainal’s leadership, PDB’s sales volume up to September 30, 2019 improved by six per cent, largely attributable to improved stations’ productivity, more operational stations and higher volume registered for the new Petronas Primax 95 with Pro-Drive.
PDB was also voted Malaysia’s Brand of the Year at the Putra Brand Awards in 2018 as well as the Company of the Year by the Edge Billion Ringgit Club.
As the PDB vice president of marketing and a board member, Syed Zainal will continue to oversee the company’s marketing activities.