KUALA LUMPUR: Tunku Alizakri Raja Muhammad Alias has been appointed chief executive officer of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), effective Aug 20.
The position was previously held by Datuk Shahril Ridza Ridzuan who has been appointed managing director of Khazanah Nasional Bhd.
EPF chairman Tan Sri Samsudin Osman said the appointment of Tunku Alizakri would ensure continuity in EPF’s performance.
“We are pleased with this internal appointment, as it is a validation of our robust succession planning which has enabled the finance minister to choose a suitable internal candidate,” he said.
“Tunku Alizakri’s appointment will help to drive the country’s social well-being agenda.”
Samsudin also praised Shahril for his outstanding contribution in making EPF the respected organisation it is today.
“Though with a heavy heart, I am proud that Shahril has been appointed to take on greater challenges at Khazanah,” he said.
“He has brought EPF to new heights with strong dividends, enhancements to EPF’s policies, as well as improvements in the customer experience.
“Shahril is a prime example of dedication and professionalism. On behalf of EPF, I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Shahril for his exemplary service.
“We congratulate him on his appointment and wish him all the best. I have no doubt that Khazanah will benefit from his experience in making the EPF the respected organisation it is today,” he said.
Tunku Alizakri joined EPF on Jan 1, 2014, as the deputy CEO (strategy) and was put in charge of national policies on social protection and developing EPF products and services.
He was also responsible for corporate strategy, corporate affairs, human capital and talent development.
“He is also a member of the EPF management investment committee, which is responsible for ensuring that all investment recommendations adhere to EPF governance and risk controls.
“He previously served at Bank Negara Malaysia, the Iclif Leadership and Governance Centre, DiGi Telecommunication, Maybank and Sime Darby.”
Tunku Alizakri holds a Master of Business Administration from Cornell University, and a Bachelor of Law from King’s College, University of London.
He has been admitted as an advocate and solicitor in the Court of Malaya, and has qualified as a Barrister (Lincoln’s Inn) in the Courts of England and Wales.
Shahril also welcomed the appointment of Tunku Alizakri.
He said with strong support from deputy CEO, chief financial officer and senior management team, he was confident that Tunku Alizakri would spur the country’s social welfare agenda.
“I am grateful for Alizakri appointment, and I urge all members to give full support to him for future success, especially in the operations and digital transformation programmes of our organisations that we love.”