KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 31): Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd announced two boardroom changes today, in line with the appointment of “subject matter experts” proposed by chairman Datuk Wira Azhar Abdul Hamid earlier this month, the day FGV chief executive officer Datuk Zakaria Arshad returned to office.

Azhar said on Oct 9 that FGV intends to appoint subject matter experts to the board as part of a new management structure to improve operational and financial performance of its core plantation business, and ensuring sustainable growth going forward.

In a filing today, FGV welcomed Datuk Dr Salmiah Ahmad and Dr Mohd Nazeeb P Alithambi as independent non-executive directors, effective immediately.

“We are confident the appointments of Datuk Dr Salmiah and Dr Mohamed Nazeeb will further strengthen the composition of the FGV Board. Being subject matter experts in their respective fields, both professionals have the right experience and expertise to help move FGV forward, in generating sustainable returns for our shareholders and stakeholders,” said Azhar in a separate statement.

A former FGV board member in 2014, Salmiah had spent 27 years with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) in several capacities, with her last position as the Deputy Director General of Services.

Salmiah was also the first woman to be appointed as the Director General of the Malaysian Rubber Board — a position she held from 2010 to 2015. She recently served a two-year term as the Chief Executive Officer of the International Rubber Consortium Ltd (IRCo) from 2015 to 2017.

Nazeeb, on the other hand, had served Sime Darby Bhd for 30 years, and was Sime Darby Plantation head of research and development, as well as head of plantation advisory, until recently.

Nazeeb, who holds a PhD in agronomy, is also a former MPOB board member. “Nazeeb’s distinguished career and track record in the palm oil sector augurs well for FGV, especially with him being a well-respected voice in agronomy,” said FGV.

Separately, the plantation group announced the resignation of Datuk Mohd Zafer Mohd Hashim from the board and as chairman of its audit committee. Zafer cited professional commitments as the reason for his exit.

“While looking for a suitable candidate with financial background to replace him, the board has appointed Datuk Yahaya Abd Jabar as chairman of the audit committee and Datuk Mohamed Suffian Awang as an additional member of the audit committee,” FGV said.

At 5pm, shares of FGV closed 1.06% or 2 sen higher at RM1.91 with 11.98 million shares traded, giving it a market capitalisation of RM6.97 billion.