FGV Holdings has appointed Nurul Muhaniza Hanafi as its group managing director (GMD), making her the first woman to lead the Malaysian agribusiness group.
Nurul Muhaniza assumed the role on Tuesday and will take on the functions and responsibilities of group chief executive officer, providing executive leadership while overseeing FGV’s operations, strategic priorities and key transformation initiatives.
Her appointment marks a significant leadership milestone for FGV, as the company continues to advance its transformation agenda under a new executive leadership structure.
Nurul Muhaniza joined FGV’s board on April 1, 2024, as an independent non-executive director. She subsequently chaired the board governance and risk management committee and served on the board nomination and remuneration committee and board audit committee.
She has also chaired FGV’s board executive committee since March, a role that positioned her closely with the group’s executive decision-making and strategic priorities.
Beyond FGV, Nurul Muhaniza is a director of MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd, where she chairs the investment and tender committee. She is also a member of the company’s audit, governance and risk committee and board sustainability committee.
Her other board roles include chairing FGV IFFCO Sdn Bhd and serving as a director of Cadbury Confectionery Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Nilai Education Sdn Bhd. She is also a member of Nilai University’s board of governors.
FGV chairman Datuk Abu Huraira Abu Yazid described the appointment as a milestone in the group’s history, highlighting Nurul Muhaniza’s appointment as its first female leader.
He said the move reflects the board’s commitment to recognising leadership based on merit and capability, while strengthening diversity and inclusion within the organisation.
Nurul Muhaniza’s appointment comes as companies across Southeast Asia place greater emphasis on leadership diversity, succession planning and transformation capabilities at the senior executive level.