Axiata has announced the appointment of Nik Rizal Kamil Nik Ibrahim Kamil as Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) and Managing Director, effective 1 June 2026.
He will succeed Vivek Sood, who has led the Group since 2023.
Nik Rizal joined Axiata in January 2024 as Group Chief Financial Officer.
He has experience in business finance, investments, and accounting, and currently sits on the boards of several Axiata companies, including CelcomDigi, PT XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera, Robi Axiata, EDOTCO Group, and Link Net.
Before joining Axiata, Nik Rizal was Group CFO at RHB Bank from 2021, and previously served as Executive Director, Investments at Khazanah Nasional, overseeing investment and divestment initiatives in the Telecommunications, Media, and Technology sector.
He also held board positions at Telekom Malaysia and Astro, and spent nearly a decade with Royal Dutch Shell in Malaysia, Singapore, and the UK.
He earned an MSc in Finance from London Business School and a BSc (Hons) in Economics & Accounting from the University of Bristol, and qualified as a Fellow Chartered Accountant and Business Finance Professional with ICAEW, while also joining the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.
Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, Chairman of Axiata, said:
“Given his experience with Axiata, the industry, and our stakeholders, the Board is confident that his appointment will position Axiata well for sustained performance and long-term value creation.”
Nik Rizal said:
“I am honoured by the Board’s confidence in identifying me as the next Group CEO & MD for Axiata. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Vivek and the management team to ensure continuity and a smooth transition.”
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Malaysia, based on image by Who is Danny via Freepik
