Maybank CEO position to be announced soon

Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) chairman Tan Sri Megat Zaharuddin Nor today said that the decision to appoint the new chief executive officer (CEO) of Maybank will made as soon as possible.

The bank's board of directors are currently looking at a list of possible canditates. Both internally, and externally.

“Maybank is the largest company on the Bursa Malaysia and therefore this is a huge responsibility for the board of Maybank to properly think through who is going to replace Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar as CEO.

“We are now in the process of identifying various candidates both internally and externally and the shortlist has not been drawn up yet,” said Megat Zaharuddin to the media today.

It was speculated that Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli and Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz were among the front runners for the post. Khairussaleh is currently heading Maybank's Indonesian operations while Zafrul is the CEO of Maybank Investment Bank.

According to the chairman, an officer will be appointed to be in charge temporarily as required by Bank Negara and the person will continue to play the role until a permanent CEO has been appointed.

“We are working as quickly as possible because not having a CEO for a large company like ours is not a good situation to be in. Fortunately, Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid will continue to be with us until June 4th.

“Ultimately, when we have decided on who the candidates are, we will submit the names to Bank Negara for their approval,” he added.

Megat Zaharuddin said that Abdul Wahid will also have a say on choosing his successor, as he is also a member of the board.

He expressed his hope for the new CEO to reinforce the strength of Maybank Group in doing the right things for both the shareholders as well as for the society in Malaysia.

“The minimum criteria in choosing the new CEO would be at least some of the criteria that we have seen on Datuk Seri Wahid. Somebody who is energetic, courageous, visionary as well as good in engaging with people and stakeholders,” Megat Zaharuddin said.