Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group Berhad (parent company of Malaysia Airlines among others), is a visionary leader whose journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and a commitment to excellence. Captain Izham’s transformation story is one marked by his passion for aviation and his relentless pursuit of success.... Read more
How this CEO without finance background turned Malaysia Airlines around before retirement
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Captain Izham Ismail discusses Malaysia Airlines' new flight routes
Captain Izham Ismail, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group Berhad (parent company of Malaysia Airlines among others), is a visionary leader whose journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and a commitment to excellence.
Captain Izham’s transformation story is one marked by his passion for aviation and his relentless pursuit of success. Beginning his career as a pilot, he quickly distinguished himself with his exceptional flying skills and innate leadership abilities. As a pilot, he broke world aviation records when he flew Malaysia Airlines’ first Boeing 777-200 eastward from Seattle to Kuala Lumpur and back. The flight set new world records for longest flight and fastest round-the-world flight by a commercial airliner, with a total flight time of 41 hours 59 minutes over a distance of 23,310 miles.
Throughout his tenure with Malaysia Airlines, Captain Izham has held various key positions, steadily ascending the ranks through his hard work and dedication. What truly sets Captain Izham apart is his remarkable ability to navigate through challenges and steer Malaysia Airlines towards success. Upon assuming the role of CEO, he inherited a company facing significant turbulence, including financial woes and operational challenges. However, Captain Izham approached these challenges with a strategic mindset, implementing bold initiatives aimed at revitalising the airline and restoring its reputation as a leading carrier in the region.
Under Captain Izham’s leadership, MAG underwent a comprehensive transformation, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency, improving customer experience, and strengthening its financial position. Through prudent decision-making and strategic partnerships, Captain Izham successfully steered the airline towards profitability, defying industry sceptics.
Captain Izham’s leadership style is characterised by his hands-on approach, strategic foresight, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of MAG’ employees and passengers. His ability to inspire and motivate others, coupled with his strong ethical principles, has earned him respect both within the company and across the aviation industry.
Apart from his extensive aviation experience, Captain Izham served Tourism Malaysia as a Board member from 2019 – 2022. He is currently a member of the Board of Governors for the International Air Transport Association (IATA), oneworld Alliance Management Committee and Exco member of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA). He is also Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council for Malaysia’s National Aviation Consultative Council since 2019.
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You can book Captain Izham Ismail through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Captain Izham's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
Captain Izham Ismail's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Captain Izham tailored to your event.
Captain Izham Ismail speaks on Asia, Business & Management, Diversity, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Captain Izham to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book Captain Izham Ismail for events worldwide, subject to Captain Izham's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Captain Izham Ismail is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Captain Izham can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief Captain Izham Ismail on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Captain Izham can offer.
Captain Izham Ismail delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
Captain Izham Ismail's areas of expertise include Asia, Business & Management, Diversity, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation. To get a clear sense of Captain Izham's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
Captain Izham Ismail can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Asia, Business & Management, Diversity, Leadership, Leadership & Motivation is relevant. Details of Captain Izham's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Captain Izham Ismail is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Captain Izham Ismail, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Captain Izham's current availability for your dates.