Axiata Group Berhad, the parent company of Robi Axiata, has appointed Nik Rizal Kamil Nik Ibrahim Kamil as its next Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD), effective June 1, 2026.
He will succeed Vivek Sood, who has held the position since 2023, the company said in a press release.
This appointment is part of Axiata’s long-term succession planning, ensuring leadership continuity and fostering internal talent development. Sood, who has been with Axiata for nine years, steps down after leading the implementation of the 5×5 strategy and portfolio simplification.
Nik Rizal, who joined Axiata in January 2024 as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s financial strategy.
He also serves on the boards of several Axiata subsidiaries, including CelcomDigi Berhad, PT XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera Tbk, Robi Axiata PLC, EDOTCO Group Sdn Bhd, and PT Link Net Tbk.
Before his role at Axiata, Nik Rizal was Group CFO at RHB Bank and Executive Director of Investments at Khazanah Nasional Berhad, where he led investment and divestment strategies in the Telecommunications, Media, and Technology sectors. He has also held positions at Telekom Malaysia, Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad, and spent nearly a decade with Royal Dutch Shell across Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
Nik Rizal holds a Master of Science in Finance from London Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Economics & Accounting from the University of Bristol. He is a Fellow Chartered Accountant and Business Finance Professional with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, and a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.
Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, Chairman of Axiata, commended Sood’s leadership and expressed confidence in Nik Rizal’s ability to guide the company forward. “Nik Rizal’s extensive experience positions him well to drive Axiata’s sustained performance and long-term value creation,” he said.
Vivek Sood expressed full support for the leadership transition, stating, “Having worked closely with Nik, I am confident he will continue to lead Axiata towards greater success.”
Nik Rizal said, “I am honoured by the Board’s confidence and look forward to ensuring a smooth transition while continuing to advance Axiata’s growth strategy.”
