MALAYSIA Building Society Bhd’s (MBSB) group president and CEO Datuk Seri Ahmad Zaini Othman has passed away today from complications stemming from COVID-19 infection.
He took his last breath early this morning at 1:46am at KPJ Selangor Specialist Hospital and he was 64 years old, said MBSB Group in a statement.
The visionary leader carried four decades of banking experience and was appointed to helm Malaysia Building Society Berhad (financial holding company of MBSB Bank Bhd) on February 26, 2009.
Under his leadership, he has transformed a non-bank financial institution by restructuring and turning around its financial standing into a profitable organisation.
He successfully concluded the merger deal between MBSB and Asian Finance Bank. The merger, which was also granted an acquisition approval, that made it possible for MBSB to fully own MBSB Bank in 2018.
Ahmad Zaini successfully converted a conventional non-bank financial institution into a full-fledged Islamic bank.
Today, MBSB Bank stands as the country’s second full-fledged Islamic bank.
Ahmad Zaini received multiple industry recognitions throughout his journey in the banking industry.
He leaves behind his wife, two married daughters and two grandchildren.
Expressing his sympathy, Tan Sri Azlan Zainol, chairman of MBSB Group said, “This is a tremendous loss not only to MBSB group, but also the banking industry.
“Ahmad Zaini was an outstanding man with a big heart. He has touched the lives of so many and his hard work will never be forgotten.
“He was instrumental to the improvement of the bank through his business initiatives which comes from his excellent business acumen. He was a visionary and we will miss him dearly.”
As an interim measure, Datuk Nor Azam M Taib who is currently the deputy CEO will be the acting president and CEO of MBSB group. – Aug 15, 2021.
Photo credit: TMR
