Sepang, Malaysia – AirAsia X, the medium to long-haul affiliate airline of AirAsia Aviation Group, has announced the resignation of Rafidah Aziz from her leadership position as chairman of AirAsia X.
Aziz was appointed as an independent non-executive director and chairman of the board on 3 March 2011, and was re-designated as a senior independent non-executive chairman upon listing of the company on 10 July 2013.
Speaking on her resignation, she said, “I will be 79 this year and will have served the term allowed as an Independent Director. I would then need to comply with the change in status from Independent to non independent Board member and the other ensuing requirements. I have therefore decided to resign from my position as chairman of AAX and this will take effect from 1 July.”
She added, “I feel AAX should appoint new people to the board to take the company forward especially after the restructuring exercise. It has been a very good experience for me, having developed so many friendships with the Allstars at all levels, which I will always cherish.”
Meanwhile, Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and founder of AAX commented, “Tan Sri Rafidah has always been much more than a Chairman. As an incredible trailblazer in so many ways, she was a rock and my backbone during the ups and downs of AirAsia and importantly, a friend and mentor for my own personal life. She was always there to give support and did not hold back in sharing her sharp insights.”
He added, “While she is retiring, Rafidah will always be very much a part of the AirAsia family and her leadership will continue to inspire all of us. I’m sure we will continue to seek wisdom and guidance from her as we head into our next chapter.”
