Malaysia Airlines appoints Foong as group chief strategy officer

“He will also lead the planning of network and fleet in deciding the future size and shape of Malaysia Airlines Group, reflecting the needs of customers, market and competitive environment, ” said Izham in an internal circular to the airline’s employees. A copy of that circular was seen by StarBiz.

PETALING JAYA: National carrier Malaysia Airlines Bhd has appointed Bryan Foong as its group chief strategy officer effective tomorrow.

Foong is no newcomer to the airline and in his new role, he will be responsible for translating the strategic vision of the airline’s board and that of the group CEO Captain Izham Yusof into strategic priorities and direction.

“He will also lead the planning of network and fleet in deciding the future size and shape of Malaysia Airlines Group, reflecting the needs of customers, market and competitive environment, ” said Izham in an internal circular to the airline’s employees. A copy of that circular was seen by StarBiz.

Izham said Foong was a senior corporate leader experienced in strategy and corporate planning with more than 15 years of experience. He holds a Masters in Business Administration degree from Cranfield University School of Management, UK, and has a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast, UK.

He started his career in Proton before moving to Mitsubishi, Hong Leong Bank and Ernst & Young.

“He is no stranger to the field having undertaken similar roles in several companies before, most recently under Khazanah Nasional Bhd’s subsidiary mandated to develop, own and operate leisure and tourism destinations and assets in Malaysia.

“He also served a short stint in Malaysia Airlines between 2007 to 2011, where he last held the position as head of strategy, spearheading the turnaround and subsequent transformation initiatives of the company then, ’’ Izham said in the circular.

Izham also announced the departure of Ignatius Ong, the airline’s group chief revenue officer in early August, a position he helmed for a year. Prior to that, Ong was the CEO of Firefly from 2011. Izham said he would oversee all the functions under the revenue division in the interim as the search for Ignatius’ replacement goes on. - Star