KUALA LUMPUR: PLS Plantations Bhd has appointed Lee Hun Kheng as the group chief executive officer (CEO) effective today.

Lee also retained his role as the company's executive director and CEO of Aramijaya Agri & Agro Sdn Bhd, which has been involved in developing innovative supply chain and forest management processes to create high-quality, sustainable forest products and services since 2002.

PLS Plantations' independent non-executive chairman Tan Sri Nazir Razak noted that Lee's appointment is part of the company's efforts to strengthen its senior management bench as the group diversifies into commercial durian planting alongside cash crops and forest plantation.

He said PLS Plantations' diversification is aligned with the nation's food sufficiency efforts.

"His role as CEO of Aramijaya, PLS Plantations' forest plantation subsidiary and his 19 years' experience in the upstream and downstream sectors of the plantations industry will be critical in helping the company navigate the complex industry and dynamic environment as the group transforms itself into Malaysia's leading sustainable agrifood company.

"We note and applaud the Prime Minister's recent statement on the critical importance of food security and the various new government initiatives to support the agrifood industry.

"With our much-strengthened management team, we are well-positioned to play a major role in addressing the nation's food security challenges," said Nazir in a statement.

Before he was appointed CEO at Aramijaya, Lee was the marketing manager. His role included increasing the product line offerings by setting up new timber products accounts and establishing the research and development projects on the plantation.

He is also a member of the Incorporated Society of Planters, a society established to develop and advance the professional interests of members within the plantation industry.

PLS Plantations and its subsidiaries are involved in the management and operation of the forest, oil palm and durian plantations, as well as the processing, distribution and sale of durian products.