KUALA LUMPUR (July 24): Mpire Global Bhd (KL:MPIRE) on Thursday announced key board changes, appointing Francis Leong Seng Wui as executive director and Ang Pei Gaik as non-independent, non-executive director. At the same time, Teh Kok Liang has resigned from his role as non-independent, non-executive director.

The appointments came after both Leong and Ang joined the board of Globetronics Technology Bhd (KL:GTRONIC) on July 1. Later, on July 18, Globetronics invested 45.05 million in Mpire’s securities, comprising both ordinary shares and warrants.

Coinciding with the investment, Mpire’s executive chairman Datuk Goh Soo Wee and Teh Kok Liang ceased to be substantial shareholders following the disposal of their stake via Mayapada Asset Sdn Bhd.

Leong also holds directorships in Revenue Group Bhd (KL:REVENUE) and Hong Seng Consolidated Bhd (KL:HONGSENG), where he owns stakes of 5.38% and 5.02%, respectively.

He also owns a 30.67% stake in South Malaysia Industries Bhd (KL:SMI), which is currently embroiled in a boardroom tussle. His vehicle, Target 1 Sdn Bhd, has launched a mandatory takeover offer for SMI and is seeking to install new directors, a move actively resisted by SMI through legal challenges and allegations of procedural irregularities.

Leong previously held executive director roles at Green Packet Bhd (KL:GPACKET) and Classita Holdings Bhd (KL:CLASSITA).

Mpire Global Bhd shares closed unchanged at 10.5 sen on Thursday, valuing the group at RM94.34 million. Globetronics Technology Bhd also closed flat at 41.5 sen, with a market capitalisation of RM280.28 million.