KUALA LUMPUR: Axiata Group Bhd president and chief executive officer Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim will be retiring as chairman of Celcom Axiata Bhd on October 15.
He will be replaced with Datuk Izaddin Idris, who is currently Axiata deputy group CEO and group CEO-designate as well as director of the board of Celcom.
In a statement, Axiata said this was a decisive step forward and part of the bigger plan in the group's smooth and seamless leadership succession plan.
It said Jamaludin would continue his role as president and group CEO of Axiata until end-December 2020.
Jamaludin held the position of Celcom chairman since the demerger of Celcom and Telekom Malaysia International from Telekom Malaysia Bhd in 2008.
"The boards express their respect for Tan Sri Jamal's industry insights, consultative leadership and effective decision-making.
"We are pleased that the transition plan is progressing very well and believe Tan Sri Jamal has set the right path for the company to follow, supported by the strong foundation he had helped build."
Axiata chairman Tan Sri Ghazzali Sheikh Abdul Khalid ssaid with Izzaddin taking over the role, Celcom Axiata would grow from strength to strength under his guidance especially in shaping the company to stay resilient and fighting fit in the digital era.
Jamaludin said it was timely for him to hand over the reign to Izzaddin after helming the board of Celcom for more than 12 years.
"This is part of the overall transition plan announced early this year, where Datuk Izzaddin will take over all my responsibilities in a planned step-by-step process to ensure a smooth succession.
"Today, he has already overseen several key corporate functions and assumed directorship positions in a few key subsidiaries, including Celcom Axiata.
"Under his able and experienced leadership but with fresh stewardship, Datuk Izzaddin, together with the board and Idham Nawawi, the CEO, Celcom Axiata will definitely chart new growth and success," he added.