KUALA LUMPUR (May 9): Heineken Malaysia Bhd has announced the appointment of Carmen Chua as an independent director of the brewery group, effective from May 13, a day after the group’s 59th annual general meeting (AGM) on May 12. 

Chua will be succeeding Datin Linda Ngiam Pick Ngoh, who will retire after the conclusion of the AGM, the company said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia on Monday (May 8). 

Heineken said Ngiam’s retirement as a director is by rotation pursuant to Clause 84 of the company’s constitution after the conclusion of the 59th AGM. 

Ngiam, 68, was appointed to the board as an independent director on Dec 3, 2012, according to the filing. 

She has also served as a member of the nomination and remuneration committee (NRC), and the audit and risk management committee (ARMC) of the company. 

“The board of directors and management would like to convey their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Datin Linda Ngiam for her commitments and invaluable contributions as a long-serving member of the board and the board committees,” the company added. 

Meanwhile, Chua will also be appointed as a member of the NRC and ARMC upon the retirement of Ngiam. 

Chua is the daughter of seasoned investor Tan Sri Chua Ma Yu.

She is the chief executive officer of ONE IFC Sdn Bhd, the developer of the St Regis Hotel and Residences Kuala Lumpur, and the managing director of ONE KLCC Sdn Bhd, the developer of the ONE KL condominium.

She also sits on the board of various companies within the CMY Capital group, and she is a trustee of Amanah Warisan Negara, a national public trust founded by Khazanah Nasional Bhd, with the objectives of undertaking projects involving the rejuvenation, rehabilitation and/or operations of selected public spaces together with heritage assets of national significance. 

“With her extensive leadership and in-depth management experience in the hospitality industry, the board is confident that Carmen will be able to bring fresh perspectives and further diversity to the board,” Heineken said.

At the time of writing on Tuesday, Heineken shares had slipped 22 sen or 0.77% to RM28.52, valuing the company at RM8.62 billion.