KUALA LUMPUR, 6 July 2017 – Media Prima Berhad (“Media Prima” or “the Group”), Malaysia’s largest integrated media group today announced the resignation of Datuk Seri FD Iskandar, as Independent Non-Executive Group Chairman of Media Prima effective 31 July 2017, leaving the Group that he has served illustriously in various capacities since 2009. The announcement followed Datuk Seri FD Iskandar’s decision to step down from his current post to focus on his other business obligations and associations.
In accepting Datuk Seri FD Iskandar’s request for resignation, the Board of Directors of Media Prima (“the Board”) expressed its deepest appreciation and gratitude for his leadership, dedication and contributions to the Group where he also served as Chairman of the Group’s Risk Management and Nomination and Remuneration committees. During his tenure with the Group, he also sat on the Board of the New Straits Times Press Malaysia Berhad (“NSTP”) from 2009 to 2015.
During his time on the Board of NSTP, Datuk Seri FD Iskandar played a key advisory role to Management on the company’s business turnaround initiatives which led to significant performance improvements. At Media Prima, Datuk Seri FD Iskandar was instrumental in guiding the Group’s transformation efforts during which new ventures were undertaken to generate new sources of revenue including the launch of Media Prima’s home shopping business and other key digital initiatives. He also played a pivotal role in the acquisition of REV Asia Holdings Sdn Bhd and Copyright Laureate Sdn Bhd (now Kool FM Radio Sdn Bhd).
During his tenure, the Group was accorded multiple recognitions for its strong commitment to Corporate Governance including being ranked as Best Manage Company (Small Cap) across 13 Asian Markets in 2016 by Asiamoney. Other accolades include Best Corporate Governance (Media Company) in Asia from Ethical Boardroom UK and Commonwealth Media of the Year by the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network, both in 2015.
Commenting on his decision to step down, Datuk Seri FD Iskandar said “It has indeed been an honour to serve Media Prima and its subsidiaries but I believe the time is right to give the new generation of directors to mould and take the Group forward in these exciting times. The Group has achieved tremendous growth during good financial times and remained resilient during periods of economic uncertainties. Given the current challenges, Media Prima is taking progressive steps to transform itself into a digital-first media company to be in line with consumers today. I have every confidence the Group will achieve its targets. I wish my successor, the Board and Senior Management of Media Prima the very bests”.
Given the resignation, Media Prima today announced the appointment of Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ismee Haji Ismail, aged 52, as the Independent Non-Executive Chairman of Media Prima effective 1 August 2017. Tan Sri Ismee is a highly respected corporate leader with vast experience in business and financial sectors and was appointed to the Board of Media Prima on 1 June 2017. Tan Sri Ismee is formerly the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lembaga Tabung Haji from 2006 to 2016. He began his career as a Management Accountant at Arab Malaysian Development Berhad and later served in key leadership positions with Shell Group of Companies in Malaysia including Head of Forex and Banking at Shell Malaysia Ltd and Group Accountant at Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd. He was also involved in the setting up of Pengurusan Danaharta Nasional Berhad and served as its Chief Accountant/Treasurer and later joined Medical Online (M) Sdn Bhd as Senior Vice President.
Tan Sri Ismee is currently serving on the Board of TH Plantations Berhad as Deputy Chairman, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director. He is also presently serving several private companies involved in the real estate and hospitality industries. He had also previously served on the boards of key business institutions in Malaysia including as Chairman of Syarikat Takaful Malaysia from 2009 to 2015, Chairman of TV AlHijrah and board member at Johor Corporation, KFC Holdings Malaysia Bhd, 1Malaysia Development Berhad, BIMB Holdings Berhad, Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, Pelikan International Corporation Berhad, Felda Global Ventures Berhad and several other private companies.
He obtained his Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification from the London School of Accountancy where he is currently a fellow. The Board welcomes the appointment of Tan Sri Ismee and is confident that under his leadership, Media Prima will continue its strong track record of delivering value to shareholders.
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For further information, please contact:
Media Prima Berhad at: 603- 1300 300 672 Ext: 8949 or 03 – 2724 8949
Azlan Abdul Aziz at [email protected]/ or 60126140522
www.mediaprima.com.my/http://twitter.com/MPBtalk