Khalid has served on Axiata’s board of directors since 2008, is a senior independent director for the company and was named as interim chair in August, succeeding Datuk Wira Azman Hj. Mokhtar, who resigned from the position.
“Since taking over the mantle of leadership of the Axiata Board, Ghazzali has demonstrated the highest standards of commitment and professional rigour in his role as interim chairman,” said Jamaludin Ibrahim, president & group chief executive officer of Axiata. “As a pioneer member of the board since 2008, the group has consistently benefited from Ghazzali’s broad corporate and international experience that has led to the rapid growth and expansion of Axiata across the region to what it is today, one of Asia’s leading telecommunications groups.”
Khalid’s role as senior independent director will be taken over by David Lau Nai Pek, who is also the chairman of the board audit committee and board risk management committee. The company says that because of Khalid’s vast experience he will ensure a smooth transition as the board embraces new changes to the board, business and organisation.
“I welcome the opportunity to further contribute to Axiata’s exciting future as the Group takes on new challenges in the region, particularly in leading the digital transformation of economies and in strengthening our resilience and competitive edge as long-term and committed investors in our markets,” said Khalid.
The news comes as part of the company’s transformation over the last two years and says that it will continue to make further changes to refresh and strengthen the board with continued additions in expertise and diversity particularly in the areas of operations, international business, finance, tech and human capital.
In September, it was announced that Veon sale of 13,000 towers to Axiata did not go ahead. At the time, Veon said: “The parties have not received all the regulatory approvals required for the transaction and the extended long-stop date of 14 September 2018 has now passed.”
