KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 11): Pos Malaysia Bhd group chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh is stepping down on Dec 31 after five years with the company, citing his desire to make a career change.

He will be replaced by Datuk Azlan Shahrim, who will report to the board of directors until a suitable candidate is appointed.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, Pos Malaysia said Shukrie has expressed his desire to make a career change for quite some. He has served DRB-Hicom Bhd, the parent company of Pos Malaysia, for 12 years, including serving the national postal company for five years.

"During his tenure, Datuk Shukrie has served Pos Malaysia well, which saw many key initiatives undertaken. Datuk Shukrie also played a vital role in the acquisition of logistics-related assets, consummating strategic collaboration with Lazada Malaysia, one of the pivotal elements of the newly-launched Digital Free Trade Zone by the government recently, as well as other collaboration with Tigers Ltd of Hong Kong, among others.

"This has resulted in Pos Malaysia achieving one of its highest share price and by extension, one of the highest market capitalisation as well," Pos Malaysia added.

The group said Pos Malaysia saw consistent improvements in its business operations during Datuk Shukrie’s leadership.

Shukrie began his career with Public Bank Securities Sdn Bhd and thereafter, with United Overseas Bank Bhd.

In 2005, he joined DRB-Hicom where he assumed several leadership roles, including that of principal controller, chief financial officer, COO and CEO in various companies within the group.

Shukrie was the group CEO of Pos Aviation Sdn Bhd, the aircraft ground handling, cargo and logistics arm of DRB-Hicom, before the acquisition of Pos Aviation by Pos Malaysia on Sept 15, 2016.

On July 1, 2011, Shukrie joined Pos Malaysia as group COO and was thereafter redesignated as group CEO on Feb 1, 2013. Prior to his appointment as Pos Malaysia’s group CEO, he was the CEO of Pos Logistics Bhd.

Pos Malaysia’s share price rose one sen or 0.19% to close at RM5.39 today, giving it a market capitalisation of RM4.22 billion. Year-to-date, the counter has risen 37.9%.