Malaysia Aviation Group Bhd (MAG) has appointed Peter Bellew as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB), taking over from Christoph Mueller, effective July 1.

Bellew, who is currently MAB Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of MAG and MAB, has also been appointed as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of MAG.

In a statement today, MAG said the leadership changes have been approved by its sole shareholder, Khazanah Nasional Bhd.

"Bellew has been a member of MAB's senior management team since the first day of its full operations on Sept 1, 2015.

"His appointment will ensure continuity in the execution of the Malaysia Airlines' (MAS) turnaround plan and overall restructuring effort, as set out by Khazanah in its 12-point MAS Recovery Plan," MAG said.

It said Bellew's appointment follows a comprehensive search for a new Chief Executive Officer conducted by Khazanah and the MAB board since April this year.

An Irish national, Bellew who has over 20 years of experience in the aviation industry, joined MAB from Ryanair Ltd.

Mueller, who resigned on March 10, would step down from the MAB Board on July 1.

"Mueller will remain available to the company until the end of his notice period on Sept 9, to help ensure a smooth leadership transition," MAG said.

MAG and MAB Chairman Tan Sri Md Nor Md Yusof said Bellew has been a key figure in the airline's senior management team responsible for executing the biggest and fastest transformation in its history.

"Bellew's appointment will pave the way for a smooth transition to ensure the continued success of our national airline," he said.