KUALA LUMPUR, February 10, 2026 — Axiata Group Berhad today announced the appointment of Nik Rizal Kamil Nik Ibrahim Kamil to succeed Vivek Sood as Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) and Managing Director, effective 1 June 2026.
This appointment is part of Axiata’s long-term succession planning strategy and reaffirms the Group’s commitment to leadership continuity and strong internal talent development.
Vivek Sood has served Axiata Group for nine years in various capacities, including that of Group CEO and Managing Director since 2023. Prior to his appointment as Group CEO, Vivek was the Group Chief Financial Officer for Axiata.
Nik Rizal, who joined Axiata in January 2024 as Group Chief Financial Officer, brings extensive experience and deep expertise across business finance, investments, and accounting. In addition to his role as Group CFO of Axiata, Nik Rizal currently serves on the boards of several Axiata Group companies, namely CelcomDigi Berhad, PT XLSMART Telecom Sejahtera Tbk, Robi Axiata PLC, EDOTCO Group Sdn Bhd, and PT Link Net Tbk.
Prior to his role in Axiata, Nik Rizal served as Group Chief Financial Officer of RHB Bank starting February 2021. Before RHB, Nik Rizal was Executive Director, Investments at Khazanah Nasional Berhad, where he led key investment and divestment initiatives, value creation programmes, and private equity strategies across domestic and international markets in the Telecommunications, Media, and Technology sector. During this time Nik Rizal also held board positions at Telekom Malaysia and Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad. Prior to Khazanah, Nik Rizal spent nearly a decade with the Royal Dutch Shell group of companies in both the upstream and downstream sectors in Malaysia, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
Nik Rizal holds an MSc in Finance from the London Business School and a BSc (Hons) in Economics & Accounting from the University of Bristol, United Kingdom. He is also a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) and Business Finance Professional (BFP) with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), and a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA).
The Board of Axiata Group Berhad expressed its deep appreciation for Vivek’s dedicated service, strong leadership, and significant contributions to the Group during his tenure. The Board looks forward to a smooth leadership transition between Vivek and Nik Rizal and the continuation of the Group’s strategy.
Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, Chairman of Axiata Group Berhad, said:
“As our current Group CFO, Nik Rizal has played a central role in shaping Axiata’s strategy, strengthening financial discipline, and supporting the execution of our long-term priorities.
Given his experience with Axiata, the industry, and our stakeholders, the Board is confident that his appointment will position Axiata well for sustained performance and long-term value creation. We look forward to Nik Rizal assuming the role of Group CEO on 1 June 2026.
I would also like to thank Vivek for his contribution to the Group and in particular, his effective execution of our strategy over the last few years that has already seen significant improvements to our outlook and value creation.”
Vivek Sood, Group CEO of Axiata Group Berhad, said:
“I am pleased to support the Board’s appointment of Nik as my successor. Having worked closely with him in his role as Group CFO, I have seen firsthand his deep understanding of our business, disciplined approach to execute, and commitment to stakeholders. Over the coming year, I look forward to working closely with Nik to ensure a smooth and effective leadership transition. It has been a pleasure serving Axiata for nine years, developing and executing on the 5*5 strategy, simplifying portfolio and creating sustainable market position. I am confident that Nik, together with the management team and with the support of the Board, will take this forward in line with the Axiata 28 Vision – Advancing Asia.”
Nik Rizal Kamil, Group CFO of Axiata Group Berhad, added:
“I am honoured by the Board’s confidence in identifying me as the next Group CEO & MD for Axiata. I have had the privilege of working closely with our talented teams across the organisation and contributing to the execution of Axiata’s strategy. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Vivek and the broader management team to ensure continuity and a smooth transition as I step up to my new responsibilities.”
Axiata is a leading Converged Connectivity Group in Southeast and South Asia, strategically blending its digital telco operations with digital businesses and infrastructure. With two jointly controlled entities in Malaysia (CelcomDigi) and Indonesia (XLSMART), the Group holds controlling stakes in mobile and fixed operator companies in Sri Lanka (Dialog), Bangladesh (Robi), and Cambodia (Smart).
Axiata’s regional digital business verticals comprise Boost, a fintech company, and ADA, a data and AI experience company. Linknet, its fibre broadband company based in Indonesia, and EDOTCO, the sixth largest independent tower company operating across nine countries, complement Axiata’s portfolio, ensuring robust connectivity and infrastructure support across the region.
Axiata, a committed long-term investor, empowers regional progress by championing innovative technology and bridging the digital divide. The Group actively supports young talent, communities, and climate initiatives, striving to unite the region’s best in innovation and connectivity to foster a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable future across its markets.
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