PETALING JAYA: Axiata Group Bhd has announced a planned leadership transition, with Nik Rizal Kamil Nik Ibrahim Kamil appointed as group chief executive officer (GCEO) and managing director, effective June 1, 2026.
He will succeed Vivek Sood, who has served the group for nine years in senior leadership roles, including as group CEO and managing director since 2023.
The appointment forms part of Axiata’s long-term succession planning and underscores the group’s emphasis on leadership continuity and internal talent development.
Nik Rizal joined Axiata in January 2024 as group chief financial officer (CFO), playing a key role in shaping the group’s financial and strategic direction.
Axiata chairman Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan said the board’s decision reflects confidence in Nik Rizal’s familiarity with the group and the telecommunications industry.
“As our current Group CFO, Nik Rizal has played a central role in shaping Axiata’s strategy, strengthening financial discipline, and supporting the execution of our long-term priorities,” he said.
“Given his experience with Axiata, the industry, and our stakeholders, the board is confident that his appointment will position Axiata well for sustained performance and long-term value creation.”
In his current role, Nik Rizal sits on the boards of several Axiata subsidiaries, including CelcomDigi Bhd, PT XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera Tbk, Robi Axiata PLC, EDOTCO Group Sdn Bhd, and PT Link Net Tbk, providing him with broad exposure across the group’s regional operations.
Prior to joining Axiata, Nik Rizal was group CFO of RHB Bank Bhd from February 2021. Before that, he served as executive director of Investments at Khazanah Nasional Bhd, where he led investment and divestment initiatives and value creation programmes across domestic and international markets, particularly within the telecommunications, media and technology sector.
Vivek, who will continue in his role until the transition takes effect, expressed support for the appointment.
“Having worked closely with him in his role as group CFO, I have seen firsthand his deep understanding of our business, disciplined approach to execute, and commitment to stakeholders,” he said.
Commenting on his appointment, Nik Rizal said: “I look forward to continuing to work alongside Vivek and the broader management team to ensure continuity and a smooth transition as I step up to my new responsibilities.”
