In a massive strategic organisational transformation, the Axiata Group announces the appointments of two Corporate Executive Vice President (EVP)/Regional CEOs, three CEOs and several senior appointments. These structural changes is said to be in line with the Group’s strategy to refresh the management teams, execute its succession plan, strengthen the corporate headquarters to manage an entity that is more than twice its size since its formation, and accelerate the Group’s transformation into a regional digital company.

The announcement also has the industry buzzing as Celcom Axiata Berhad’s Dato’ Sri Shazalli Ramly (pic) is slated to move on to a regional role as the Group’s Corporate EVP and Regional CEO, effective 1 September 2016. Shazalli, a notable figure in the Malaysian telco industry, has been with Celcom for 11 years, with his contract due to expire year-end.

With this new appointment, Shazalli’s tenure with the Group has been extended for the next three years. He will be responsible for all Southeast Asia operations and will continue to be a member of the Celcom Board.

Succeeding Shazalli in his post as Celcom’s CEO is Michael Kuehner, who was the CEO of Robi Axiata Ltd from 2009 to 2013, effective 1 September 2016. An international telecommunications leader with more than 30 years’ experience, Kuehner was with Nokia and Siemens prior to joining the Axiata in September 2009. He had key roles in multiple countries in Asia Pacific, including India, Japan and Malaysia.

Complementing Keuhner’s new role are two Deputy CEOs, namely Azwan Khan Osman Khan and Mohamed Adlan Ahmad Tajudin. Both of them have had significant roles in Celcom previously.