Companies appoint former top brass to their boards

PETALING JAYA: Several companies have announced key board and management changes that involve some of corporate Malaysia’s former top brass.

Healthcare provider Qualitas Health Group announced that it had appointed former Bursa Malaysia Bhd chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift as its group CEO with immediate effect.

In a statement, the company said Muhamad Umar brings a distinguished track record of leadership in financial services, corporate governance and strategic transformation to his role.

“At Qualitas Health, Muhamad Umar leads the group’s regional network across Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia.

“His appointment marks a new chapter in Qualitas’ journey – bringing financial discipline, operational excellence, and strategic clarity to one of Asia-Pacific’s most dynamic integrated healthcare groups.”

With over three decades of experience across the Asia-Pacific region, Qualitas noted that Muhamad Umar is renowned for his ability to drive innovation, institutional excellence, and regional growth.

Separately, Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Bhd announced the appointment of Datuk Charon Wardini Mokhzani as the new group chairman effective June 1.

Charon succeeds Datuk Mohammed Hussein, who retired on May 31, after serving with dedication since 2020.

Charon is a seasoned leader with a distinguished track record in senior leadership roles across the corporate, investment and government-linked sectors.

His career includes key positions as the chairman of Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Bhd, founding chief executive officer of Khazanah Research Institute, executive director of Khazanah Nasional Bhd, deputy chief executive officer of CIMB Group and chief executive officer of CIMB Investment Bank Bhd, as well as the chairman of Principal Asset Management Bhd and managing partner of Zaid Ibrahim & Co.

Meanwhile, Cypark Resources Bhd announced that it had appointed Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar as its director and chairman, with effect from June 9, 2025.

The company said this coincided with Datuk Hamidah Moris transitioning her role from the chair to helming Cypark as group managing director, reinforcing operational momentum.

“These changes reflect the board’s strategic direction to strengthen independent oversight while empowering proven executive leadership.

“The separation of the chair and managing director roles ensures a high standard of governance, transparency, and accountability, in line with best practices for Bursa Malaysia listed companies.

“Abdul Wahid brings a storied career in both public service and the private sector, having most recently chaired Bursa Malaysia and previously served as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Economic Planning, group chairman of Permodalan Nasional Bhd, president and CEO of Malayan Banking Bhd, group CEO of Telekom Malaysia Bhd and managing director and CEO of UEM Group.”

Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that CIMB Group Holdings Bhd is set to name the former head of Securities Commission, Syed Zaid Albar, as its chairman.

Citing sources, Bloomberg said Syed Zaid will replace Mohd Nasir Ahmad, who will be retiring.

Syed Zaid was executive chairman of the Securities Commission from 2018 to 2022. He was also the founding partner of law firm Albar & Partners.

Mohd Nasir has been CIMB chairman since 2018 and an independent director for almost 10 years.