This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on May 17, 2016.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines Bhd has appointed Captain Izham Ismail as chief executive officer (CEO) of MASwings effective July 1.

Izham replaces Captain Ritzerwan Rashid, who is retiring at the end of August 2016.

In a statement yesterday, Malaysia Airlines CEO Christoph Mueller said in his new role, Izham will focus on developing a comprehensive and sustainable plan to improve MASwings’ operations, financial performance and customer service experience.

Izham brings close to 36 years of experience in the aviation industry, and combines a valuable breadth of understanding of airline operations and business management.

Izham is currently head of the national airline’s operations programme management office, overseeing more than 100 projects key to the turnaround of Malaysia Airlines.

He is also a director of MASkargo.

Izham began his career with Malaysia Airlines as a trained pilot. He became director of operations from 2012 to 2015. Prior to this, he was also executive vice-president of flight operations, and general manager of technical and development.