KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 30): Media Prima Bhd said its chief executive officer (CEO) of Primeworks Studios (PWS), Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar, will be leaving the group on Nov 13 to pursue new challenges.

Datuk Khairul Anwar Salleh, who is currently CEO of Media Prima Television Networks, will also take charge of PWS effective Nov 14.

In a statement today, Media Prima said Izham had contributed immensely to the group. He was first brought in to launch 8TV, launching numerous hit programmes including Malaysian Idol, Shout! Awards and 8 E-News. He was also involved in the set-up and launching of Media Prima Radio Networks (now known as RIPPLE) and launched Media Prima’s over-the-top platform, tonton.

As CEO of PWS, he was the executive producer of Ejen Ali The Movie, Malaysia’s No. 1 animation movie of all time and the No. 3 box office Malaysian movie of all time. He was also the executive producer and co-screenwriter for Pulang, Malaysia's first-ever Netflix Original.

“I have decided to take on new challenges in the media and entertainment business. It was not easy to decide to leave Media Prima as I have experienced the highest of highs and deepest of lessons in these priceless 17 years. I am grateful for all the memories. They are so precious to me. I thank all my bosses and colleagues for what I can only call an amazing ride,” said Ahmad Izham.

Media Prima group managing director Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood added: “Datuk Izham has made tremendous contributions to Media Prima and the creative industry throughout his many years with the group. We would like to thank him for all that he has done for the group and he will definitely be missed by all of us here. We wish him the very best in his new journey.”

At noon market break, Media Prima fell 0.5 sen or 3.23% to 15 sen, valuing it at RM166.38 million.