Axiata Group appoints Nik Rizal Kamil Nik Ibrahim Kamil as group chief executive officer and managing director, effective June 2026

• Nik Rizal brings extensive experience in finance, investments, and accounting
• Succeed Vivek Sood as group CEO and managing director, effective 1 June 2026

Axiata Group Berhad has announced the appointment of Nik Rizal Kamil Nik Ibrahim Kamil (pic) to succeed Vivek Sood as group CEO and managing director, effective 1 June 2026.

In a statement, the group noted that the appointment forms part of its long-term succession planning strategy and reaffirms its commitment to leadership continuity and strong internal talent development.

Vivek has served Axiata for nine years in various capacities, including as group CEO and managing director since 2023. Prior to his appointment as group CEO, he was the group chief financial officer (CFO).

Nik Rizal, who joined Axiata in January 2024 as group CFO, brings extensive experience across business finance, investments, and accounting. In addition to his CFO role, he currently serves on the boards of several Axiata companies, including CelcomDigi Berhad, PT XLSmart Telecom Sejahtera Tbk, Robi Axiata PLC, Edotco Group Sdn Bhd, and PT Link Net Tbk.

Before joining Axiata, Nik Rizal was group CFO of RHB Bank from February 2021. Prior to that, he was executive director, Investments at Khazanah Nasional Berhad, where he led key investment and divestment initiatives, value creation programmes, and private equity strategies across domestic and international markets in the telecommunications, media, and technology sector. During this time, he also held board positions at Telekom Malaysia and Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad.

Earlier in his career, Nik Rizal spent nearly a decade with Royal Dutch Shell in upstream and downstream roles across Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

He holds an MSc in Finance from London Business School and a BSc (Hons) in Economics and Accounting from the University of Bristol. He is also a Fellow Chartered Accountant and Business Finance Professional with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, and a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.

The board expressed its appreciation for Vivek’s leadership and contributions during his tenure and looks forward to a smooth transition and the continuation of the group’s strategy.

Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, chairman of Axiata Group Berhad, said, “As our current group CFO, Nik Rizal has played a central role in shaping Axiata’s strategy, strengthening financial discipline, and supporting the execution of our long-term priorities.

“Given his experience with Axiata, the industry, and our stakeholders, the board is confident his appointment will position Axiata well for sustained performance and long-term value creation. We also thank Vivek for his leadership, particularly in executing our strategy and improving the group’s outlook over the past few years.”

Vivek Sood said, “I am pleased to support the board’s appointment of Nik as my successor. Having worked closely with him as group CFO, I have seen his deep understanding of our business, disciplined execution, and strong commitment to stakeholders.

“Over the coming year, I look forward to working closely with Nik to ensure a smooth transition. It has been a privilege serving Axiata for nine years, executing the 5*5 strategy, simplifying the portfolio, and building a more sustainable market position. I am confident Nik, together with the management team and with the support of the board, will take this forward in line with the Axiata 28 Vision – Advancing Asia.”

Nik Rizal said, “I am honoured by the board’s confidence in appointing me as the next group CEO and managing director. I have had the privilege of working closely with our teams across the organisation and contributing to the execution of Axiata’s strategy.

“I look forward to continuing to work alongside Vivek and the broader management team to ensure continuity and a smooth transition as I take on my new responsibilities.”