KUALA LUMPUR: KPJ Healthcare Bhd has appointed Datuk Md Arif Mahmood as chairman effective April 1, succeeding Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.

       The healthcare group, in a statement said it also appointed Datuk Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh as its new president and managing director effective April 1.

       Md Arif, who has recently retired as the EVP & CEO downstream of Petronas on Jan 1, has more than 37 years of experience in the integrated oil and gas industry.

       He was a member of Petronas Leadership Team with primary responsibility of leading, strategising, driving performance and growth of Petronas Global Downstream Business.

       Md Arif was chairman of Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd and BASF PETRONAS Chemicals SB among others.

       He graduated in Electrical Engineering (summa cum laude) from Boston University, USA and earned his Master of Business Administration from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA.

       Meanwhile, Mohd Shukrie takes over from Ahmad Shahizam Mohd Shariff, who will not be seeking a renewal of his contract, which will expire on June 30, 2022.

       Ahmad Shahizam, who has held the position since July 1, 2020, has informed the KPJ Healthcare Board of Directors that he would like to pursue his own interests following the conclusion of his current term.

       Mohd Shukrie had joined Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) in May 2019 as its chief operating officer and later on assumed the role of group CEO where he has been instrumental in steering the group through the worst period of the pandemic and sustaining the MAHB’s operation and financial stability.

       His experience will play an important role to ensure KPJ Healthcare continues its sustainable growth and long-term strategic plans.

       Mohd Shukrie is a chartered accountant with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants and holds a Degree in Business Studies from the University of North London.