AZRB redesignates MD Wan Zakariah as executive vice-chairman after over three years of vacancy

• “The board is confident in Wan Zakariah’s ability to fulfill this role, given his extensive experience and leadership as the group managing director,” the company said.

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 15): Ahmad Zaki Resources Bhd (KL:AZRB) has redesignated group managing director Datuk Seri Wan Zakariah Wan Muda as its executive vice-chairman, effective immediately.

Wan Zakariah will take over the role previously held by his late brother, Tan Sri Wan Zaki Wan Muda, who was also the founder of AZRB.

According to AZRB, the position of the executive vice-chairman had been vacant since the late Wan Zaki retired from full-time work on July 1, 2021. Following his passing, the board considered it the right time to make necessary adjustments to the group’s organisational structure.

“This move not only fills the void left by the late Tan Sri Wan Zaki, but also reinvigorates the group’s management team with fresh and younger energy to drive the group forward,” the engineering and construction company said in a statement on Wednesday.

As the new executive vice-chairman, Wan Zakariah will lead efforts to shape the group’s strategic direction.

“The board is confident in Wan Zakariah’s ability to fulfill this role, given his extensive experience and leadership as the group managing director,” the company said.

Wan Zakariah currently holds a 0.8% stake in the company. His youngest brother, Datuk Wan Zulkifli Wan Muda, also sits on the board as a non-independent executive director, holding a 1.66% stake.

New CEO and COO appointments

Separately, AZRB announced the appointments of Wan Razali as the chief executive officer (CEO) and Wan Amir Hisyam as the chief operating officer (COO), effective immediately.

Notably, Wan Razali is the son of Wan Zulkifli, while Wan Amir Hisyam is the son of Wan Zakariah.

According to AZRB, Wan Razali, 36, brings over 12 years of experience in engineering, construction, operations, and management across various regions. He previously served as the executive director of operations in the group’s engineering and construction division, holding various operational roles over seven years.

Before joining Ahmad Zaki Sdn Bhd (AZSB) in 2018, Wan Razali worked with French multinational VINCI Construction Grands Projets (VCGP), specialising in design-build complex projects. He holds a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering and an MSc in management from Imperial College London.

Meanwhile, Wan Amir Hisyam, 33, was formerly a senior manager in AZRB's concession division, where he played a significant role in project proposals and execution.

Prior to joining AZRB, he worked as a geotechnical engineer at AECOM and a structural engineer at ARUP, both multinational engineering consulting firms.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil and infrastructure engineering from RMIT University in Australia, and a master’s in soil mechanics from Imperial College London.

“The board believes that Wan Razali and Wan Amir Hisyam will bring a forward-thinking mindset, with the ability to enhance performance and productivity, by introducing new ideas, perspectives, and skills for the group’s future growth,” AZRB said.

Shares in AZRB closed half a sen or 2.3% lower at 21.5 sen on Wednesday, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM141.4 million.

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