Malaysia Aviation Group Announces Appointment of New President and Group Chief Executive Officer

India, November 2025 – The Board of Directors of Malaysia Aviation Group (“MAG”) today announced that Datuk Captain Izham Ismail will be retiring from his position as Group Managing Director effective 31 January 2026, following an accomplished career spanning more than four decades with the company. In line with the Group’s strategic succession plan, the Board has appointed Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar (“Captain Nasa”) as President and Group Chief Executive Officer, a new designation succeeding the former Group Managing Director.

Datuk Captain Izham Ismail

Datuk Captain Izham began his career with Malaysia Airlines as a pilot in 1979 and rose through the ranks to hold various key leadership roles before being appointed as the Group Managing Director on 1 December 2017, making him the company’s longest-serving chief executive to date. During his tenure, Captain Izham oversaw key financial restructuring and operational improvement efforts that helped return MAG to profitability in recent years. The Group’s stronger financial position now puts it in a better standing to embark on its next phase of growth towards improved performance and more sustainable operations under new leadership.

Captain Nasa, a home-grown leader with more than three decades of experience across flight operations, management and strategic roles within MAG, has held several leadership positions within the Group, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of Malaysia Airlines. He brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of MAG’s business, culture and strategic ambitions, having led multiple transformation initiatives, including the successful turnaround of MASwings in 2022 and the implementation of profit-driven structures under the Long-Term Business Plan 2.0 (LTBP2.0).

As President and Group CEO, Captain Nasa will oversee the execution of MAG’s strategic priorities, driving operational excellence, customer experience and sustainable growth across both its airlines and non-airlines portfolio, as the Group advances its LTBP3.0 and strengthens its position as a leading aviation group.

Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar

Captain Nasa's appointment marks an important milestone in MAG’s ongoing evolution, ensuring

continuity in leadership and execution across the Group’s portfolio of businesses.

Captain Nasa will be supported by a strong and capable management team across the Group and three profit centres - namely Airline Business, Loyalty and Travel Services and Aviation Services.

Dato’ Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, Board Member of MAG and Managing Director of Khazanah Nasional Berhad, said, “On behalf of the Board and the entire MAG family, we extend our sincere gratitude to Datuk Captain Izham for his outstanding service and leadership. He has exemplified relentless commitment, integrity and passion in guiding MAG through pivotal periods of transformation and growth. His tenure has strengthened the Group, defined its strategic direction and fostered a high- performance culture that positions MAG for continued success. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours.

We are pleased to welcome Captain Nasa as President and Group CEO of Malaysia Aviation Group. He brings extensive experience within the Group and a deep understanding of the business and industry. The Board has full confidence in his leadership to advance MAG’s strategic priorities and strengthen the Group’s position in a competitive global aviation landscape.”

Former MD of ITC’s Fortune Hotels Samir MC is the new CEO of Tamara Leisure Experiences

Tamara Leisure Experiences has announced a strategic leadership progression in line with the organisation’s growth and long-term vision. Effective on 16 June 2025, Samir M.C. is appointed Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Shruti Shibulal, who will take on the role of Executive Vice Chair of the Board.

Samir M.C., a respected leader in the hospitality industry, holds three decades of distinguished experience in structuring operations, managing stakeholders and positioning high-value hospitality ventures for long-term market impact. Prior to this, Samir most notably held senior leadership roles at ITC Hotels and the InterContinental Hotels Group, where he was instrumental in driving profitability, internal performance and regional growth.

“It is a privilege to take on the role of CEO at such a ground-breaking and values-driven organisation,” said Samir. “Through its intensive and innovative commitment to responsible hospitality, Tamara has carved for itself a distinctive position in the market. I look forward to building on that foundation by working closely with Shruti and the broader team to lead the company on to its next phase of growth.”

In her new role, Shruti will continue to play a pivotal role in guiding Tamara Leisure Experiences through a crucial phase of strategic acceleration. Working closely with the CEO, she will help to steer the company’s long-term vision, shape high-impact decisions, and ensure that new property developments remain congruent with the organisation’s brand perimeters, core values, and future aspirations.

Over the last decade, Shruti helmed the design and evolution of a human-centric work culture and sustainability-driven innovation. As such, Shruti will focus on preserving the company’s foundational ethos by nurturing leadership talent and strengthening institutional frameworks.

Shruti will also bridge the organisation’s trajectory with the Board’s forward-thinking engagement in Tamara’s evolution. Her continued leadership in this new role will forge a keen and thoughtful map for deep, long-term impact across the hospitality industry.

“This is both an essential as well as exciting new chapter for Tamara,” said Shruti. “Samir carries into this role a wealth of industry experience, strategic insight, and an entrepreneurial spirit that deeply aligns with our culture and aspirations. I look forward to supporting him as we continue to build Tamara Leisure Experiences with integrity, insight and purpose.”

Shantanu Chakravartty to lead WHSmith India as CEO & Director

With plans to triple revenue and expand nationwide, he sets the course for a new chapter in Indian travel retail........

WHSmith India has announced the appointment of Shantanu Chakravartty as its Chief Executive Officer and Director. His leadership over the past seven years has been instrumental in driving the company through its most significant phases of growth and transformation.

A seasoned professional in travel retail, Shantanu steps into this role with a clear vision to expand WHSmith India’s reach and triple its revenue within the next four years. His goal is to establish the company as a benchmark for modern travel retail, ensuring a seamless experience for customers.

During the COVID-19 crisis, Shantanu played a pivotal role in stabilizing WHSmith amid challenges faced by the travel and airport retail sectors. With airports experiencing an unprecedented standstill, his leadership ensured business continuity and safeguarded over 20,000 jobs across India’s busiest airports. Reflecting on this period, he remarked, “Disruption is an invitation to rebuild stronger, which is why we established the Airport Services Association of India to support the industry during the crisis.”

Under his leadership, WHSmith India aims to multiply its store footprint fivefold. Currently operating 40 stores at metro stations, airports, and university campuses across India, Shantanu sees retail as a platform for creating opportunities and livelihoods. He believes that every new store enhances job prospects and contributes to economic growth.

Shantanu’s vision for WHSmith stores extends beyond just transit retail. He emphasizes convenience, consistency, and customer engagement, continuously refining offerings to cater to book lovers, business travelers, families, and solo explorers within short dwell times. His strategy focuses on optimizing customer experience and strengthening brand presence.

With over 15 years of expertise in travel retail, Shantanu has a deep understanding of supply chains, passenger behavior, and merchandising. His approach has transformed WHSmith India into a symbol of excellence in airport retail. He is also committed to team development, frequently visiting stores, mentoring staff, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Looking ahead, Shantanu envisions a phase of rapid expansion in India’s aviation sector. With a projected increase in passenger traffic, he sees immense potential for airport retail and aims to position WHSmith India at the forefront of this evolution through scalable infrastructure, a people-centric culture, and technology-driven operations.

WelcomHeritage Appoints Mr. Ashutosh Chhibba as its Chief Executive Officer

New Delhi, February  2025 – WelcomHeritage is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Ashutosh Chhibba as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With over 30 years of exemplary experience in the hospitality industry, Mr. Chhibba is poised to lead WelcomHeritage into an exciting new era of growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

An alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata, and a graduate of the Welcomgroup Management Institute, Mr. Chhibba began his distinguished career with ITC Hotels in 1992. Over the decades, he has held key leadership roles, driving success at iconic properties such as the erstwhile Welcomgroup Chola Sheraton, ITC Kakatiya, ITC Maurya, and ITC Mughal.

His international experience includes overseeing the launch and operations of the legendary restaurant Dumpukht in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia, where he demonstrated his ability to adapt and deliver excellence in diverse global markets. Mr. Chhibba’s career has encompassed both leisure and business hospitality segments, with a strong focus on managing owned properties across multiple locations, including Riyadh, Aurangabad, and Hyderabad.

In addition to his vast operational expertise, Mr. Chhibba is deeply committed to continuous learning, having completed the Revenue Management Programme at Cornell University, USA, and the Sales & Marketing Exposure Programme at IIM Bangalore. These advanced programs have equipped him with cutting-edge skills in revenue optimization, sales strategies, and marketing innovations, ensuring a strategic approach to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Ashutosh Chhibba said, “I am honoured to lead WelcomHeritage, a brand synonymous with India’s cultural richness and heritage. I look forward to leveraging my experience to further enhance our offerings, strengthen our brand presence, and deliver unparalleled guest satisfaction while preserving the legacy of WelcomHeritage.”

Minor Hotels Appoints Puneet Dhawan as Head of Asia

Global hotel owner and operator Minor Hotels has appointed Puneet Dhawan as Head of Asia as the group plots its growth in Asia and India. From July, Dhawan will be responsible for the performance of all Minor Hotels properties in Asia, working in close collaboration with the Minor Hotels senior leadership team and will report to Minor Hotels CEO Dillip Rajakarier.

Dhawan, a seasoned professional with a 30-year hospitality career spanning Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His most recent role as Senior Vice President of Operations – India & South Asia at Accor saw him lead the group’s business development, owner management, hotel operations and commercial team, driving Accor’s growth in the region. Notably, he oversaw the opening of the first Raffles hotel in India. His 25-year tenure at Accor also included time as the group’s Vice President of Operations, Middle East, and several General Manager roles. Dhawan’s journey in the hospitality industry began with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, where he held positions at its properties in the Philippines and Hong Kong.

Dhawan holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He will be based in the group’s Bangkok Corporate Office when he joins Minor Hotels in July.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International, commented, “We are excited to welcome Puneet to the Minor Hotels family. His operational experience and empowering leadership will be invaluable as we work to achieve our growth ambitions in Asia and India in the coming years.”

In January, Minor Hotels unveiled its target to add more than 200 new openings to its global portfolio, with approximately half in Asia, by the end of 2026. More recently, the hotel group announced its plan to 50 new openings in India within the next ten years, including the debut of its luxury Anantara brand later this year in Jaipur.

Turkka Kuusisto appointed CEO of Finnair

New Delhi | January 2024: Finnair has appointed Turkka Kuusisto (44, MSc. Tech) as CEO of Finnair and he will start in this role on 11 July 2024 at the latest. Kuusisto joins Finnair from Posti Group Corporation, where he has served as the CEO since 2020. Prior to his role as the CEO at Posti Group Corporation, Kuusisto served in senior leadership positions at Posti Group Corporation and in Lindorff Group.

“I am happy to welcome Turkka Kuusisto to take the helm of Finnair and drive the next phases of Finnair’s strategy. Finnair has restored its profitability after the historic double crisis, and the company is well-positioned to continue to build a sustainable future, offering excellent connections via its Helsinki hub to both Finns and customers traveling between Europe and Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas”, says Sanna Suvanto-Harsaae, Chair of the Board of Directors, Finnair.

“Turkka brings to Finnair his strong understanding of complex industries and his proven people leadership and strategy skills, which will benefit Finnair as Finnair now moves to the next phase in its strategy”, Suvanto-Harsaae says.

“Finnair embodies to me Finnish spirit and global connections, and it has a long and unique heritage as a 100-year-old airline. I am excited and humbled to take on the role of CEO in this iconic company. Working side by side with all Finnair colleagues and carefully listening to our customers, I trust our joint journey will be a successful one”, says Turkka Kuusisto.

Finnair’s current CEO Topi Manner will leave the company on 15 January 2024 to later take on the role of CEO at Elisa Corporation. Jaakko Schildt, Chief Operating Officer of Finnair, will act as an interim CEO between 15 January and the start of the new CEO.

About Finnair

Finnair is a network airline, specialising in connecting passenger and cargo traffic between Asia, North America and Europe. Finnair is one of the oldest operating airlines in the world, celebrating its centenary in 2023. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do – Finnair intends to reach carbon neutrality latest by the end of 2045. Customers have chosen Finnair as the Best Airline in Northern Europe in the Skytrax Awards for 12 times in a row. Finnair is a member of the oneworld alliance. Finnair Plc’s shares are quoted on the Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange.

Epigamia elevates Rahul Jain as Chief Executive Officer

Rohan Mirchandani, who was earlier Co-founder & CEO, has now moved into the role of Executive Chairman

Epigamia has announced the elevation of Rahul Jain, Co-Founder & COO, to the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Rohan Mirchandani, who was earlier Co-founder & CEO, has now moved into the role of Executive Chairman. Ankur Goel, the founding member of Epigamia was elevated to the post of Chief Operating Officer (COO).

“We are happy to have Rahul as our CEO whose strategic business acumen and dedication to Epigamia’s values make him the perfect fit for this role”, said Rohan Mirchandani, Co-Founder and executive Chairman, Epigamia.

Rahul Jain, Co-Founder and CEO, Epigamia, said, “I am humbled by this new opportunity and look forward to a journey that is fueled by innovation and our team's collective passion. I envision a path in which every decision reflects our commitment to quality and our desire to lead change. Together, we will redefine the consumer product landscape and build a legacy that makes Epigamia the ultimate choice among its consumers."

M.R. Synrem joins as the Managing Director, ITDC

Sh. M.R. Synrem, IAS officer of 2002 Batch, Assam-Meghalaya Cadre has joined as the Managing Director of India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) in addition to his existing role as Joint Secretary and Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

During his career so far, Sh. Synrem served as Secretary in the Health & Family Welfare Department, Mission Director of the Meghalaya State National Health Mission and CEO of Megha Health Insurance Scheme in Meghalaya.

In a span of over two decades, he has demonstrated adept administrative expertise in spearheading the projects, schemes and initiatives in the Information Technology & Communications Department, the Transport Department, the Urban Affairs Department, the Commerce & Industries Department etc in his parent cadre.

Espire Hospitality Group names Akhil Arora as Chief Executive Officer

New Delhi, May 2023: Espire Hospitality Group named Akhil Arora, the hospitality company’s Chief Operating Officer, as its next Chief Executive Officer.

Akhil is an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience in hospitality and is qualified as a ‘Certified Hotel Administrator’ (CHA) from the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute. In his fresh role at Espire Hospitality Group, he will spearhead the company’s overall business, continuing to focus on the expansion plans.

Akhil Arora joined Espire Hospitality Group in May 2021, with 13 years of experience of working with India’s leading hospitality brands including Oberoi, Leela, Hyatt, Renaissance and The Imperial, after which he moved to Hotelivate to set up and successfully run their Asset Management division. His diverse knowledge in hotel operations and business strategy encompasses experience of working in Rooms Division, Food & Beverage service, Sales & Marketing and Revenue Management which adds great value towards the growth objective of the company. 

Akhil has successfully expanded the portfolio of Espire Hospitality Group from two to currently 10 operating hotels. With six more hotels planned to open in 2023, the group will have 16 hotels in its portfolio by the end of this year.

Under his leadership, Espire Hospitality Group launched the Luxury Boutique resort brand ‘ZANA - Luxury Escapes’, with the opening of its first hotel in Udaipur, in September 2022. In a short time of its inception, the ZANA portfolio will grow from just one hotel to five by the end of 2023.

About Espire Hospitality Group

Espire Hospitality Group is the owning company of India’s most magnificent luxury resort ‘Six Senses Fort Barwara’, owns and operates a mid-market resort chain ‘Country Inn Hotels and Resorts’ and operates a luxury boutique resort brand ‘ZANA - Luxury Escapes’ that is a confluence of luxury and top-notch hospitality.

Saj Hotels appointed Zamir Khan as new CEO

In his new role, Zamir will develop strategies, drive growth and foster innovation for the Hotels and Restaurants verticals of the Group.

Zamir has been part of the founding team of prestigious brands like Massive Restaurants Pvt Ltd, and Wrapster Foods Pvt Ltd, and worked with leading indigenous business houses like Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Dabur (India) Ltd, Avantha Group, DLF Retail Ltd, to name a few. 

He has also spearheaded the communications mandate for conglomerates such as Telcordia, Emirates Airlines, EMC Corporation, TetraPak, Nokia, among others. As the CEO, Zamir brings with him a wealth of experience and astute business acumen that will strengthen the brands’ position, build advocacy, and complement the growth of the company. 

Speaking about his appointment, Zamir Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Saj Hotels Pvt Ltd, said, “After having spent over two decades in one of the most challenging industries, I feel humbled to have been given this opportunity to join Saj Hotels, among the fastest growing hospitality organizations in the country. As part of the senior management team, I look forward to steering Saj Hotels to greater heights, while working towards building world-class hotels, resorts and dining destinations in India and capturing its untapped beauty. I would like to express my gratitude to the promoters and board of directors, especially the Chairman –Rahul Timbadia for showing their faith in me.” 

“We are confident that Zamir’s leadership and strategic vision will take Saj Hotels Pvt Ltd to new heights. We are looking forward to scaling our brands to new heights under his guidance,” said Karna Timbadia, Director, Saj Hotels Pvt Ltd.  A dynamic professional and a dedicated family man, Zamir loves to spend time with his family. He has a keen interest in photography and is an avid traveller.