FGV appoints new board members

Felda Global Ventures Holdings Berhad (FGV) has appointed Datuk Salmiah Ahmad and Mohamed Nazeeb P. Alithambi as independent non-executive directors on the Board of FGV, effective today.

Salmiah had been with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) for 27 years in several capacities, with her last position as MPOB deputy director-general of services.

She was then appointed as the Malaysian Rubber Board D-G from 2010 until 2015 and was the first woman to hold that position.

Salmiah had previously been on the Board in 2014. She has recently served her two-year term as the CEO of the International Rubber Consortium Limited (IRCo) from 2015 to 2017.

As for Mohamed Nazeeb, a veteran in the plantation industry, he served Sime Darby for more than 30 years. He was recently the head of research and development as well as head of plantation advisory at Sime Darby Plantation.

"The Board views the appointments of Salmiah and Mohamed Nazeeb positively, as they will be able to provide invaluable insights into the global palm oil and rubber industries, whilst contributing to the independence of the FGV Board.

"In addition, the appointment of Salmiah is in line with the Government's call to appoint more women as members of the Board by 2020," FGV said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, FGV chairman Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid said: "We are confident the appointments of Salmiah and Mohamed Nazeeb will further strengthen the composition of the FGV Board. Being subject matter experts in their respective fields, both professionals have the right experience and expertise to help move FGV forward, in generating sustainable returns for our shareholders and stakeholders."

The statement also announced the resignation of Datuk Mohd Zafer Mohd Hashim as independent non-executive director effective today, citing other professional commitments. He had been on the Board for the last two and a half years.