Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has appointed Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar as its new President and Group Chief Executive Officer, following the announcement that Datuk Captain Izham Ismail will retire as Group Managing Director effective January 31, 2026. The new designation replaces the former title and ensures continuity in leadership as MAG advances its strategic priorities.
Captain Izham, who began his career with Malaysia Airlines in 1979 and became Group Managing Director in 2017, led key financial restructuring and operational improvements, returning MAG to profitability. Captain Nasaruddin, a home-grown leader with over three decades of experience within MAG, previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Malaysia Airlines and spearheaded transformation initiatives including the MASwings turnaround in 2022.
As President and Group CEO, Captain Nasaruddin will oversee operational excellence, customer experience, and sustainable growth across MAG’s airlines and non-airlines portfolio, supporting the Group’s Long-Term Business Plan 3.0. The appointment aims to strengthen MAG’s position in the competitive global aviation landscape while maintaining strategic continuity and high-performance culture.