Shamsul Azhar is new Petronas president and CEO

Datuk Shamsul Azhar Abbas has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Petronas effective February 10 2010, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced today. He has also been appointed Acting Chairman of the Petronas Board of Directors.

Shamsul Azhar, 57, who served as MISC President and Chief Executive Officer between 2004 and 2009, will replace Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Merican whose contract ends on February 9.

Najib said Shamsul Azhar, who joined Petronas in 1974, has vast experience in the nation's petroleum industry having served in several senior positions, including that of Vice President of Oil Business, Vice President Petrochemicals, Vice President Exploration (Upstream) and Vice President Maritime and Logistics.

"I am confident he is qualified and experienced to bring continued suceess to Petronas," he said.

Najib also thanked Hassan for his invaluable contribution to the nation and petroleum industry having served as Acting Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Petronas since 1995.

Datuk Shamsul Azhar Abbas, the new president and CEO of Petronas effective Feb 10 2010.

Hassan began his career with the national oil company in 1989 as Senior Vice President, Finance, before being appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in 1995 and later also assumed the position of Acting Chairman in 2004.

Najib said during Hassan's tenure at the national oil company, Petronas enjoyed good repute and excellent standing, internationally, and was the only Fortune 500 company in Malaysia.

"He was also instrumental in bringing Petronas to foreign shores, competing side-by-side with international oil giants," added the Prime Minister.

With vast experience behind him, Najib hoped Hassan would continue to contribute his knowledge and experiene to nation building especially in the energy sector.

Article Source : Bernama