Hektar Asset Management Sdn. Bhd., the manager of Hektar Real Estate Investment Trust (Hektar REIT), has announced the appointment of Zainal Iskandar Ismail as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. This follows the approval by Securities Commission Malaysia on 12 September 2024.

Zainal Iskandar brings a wealth of expertise with over 20 years of experience across a range of industries, including property, oil and gas, logistics, hospitality, renewable energy, and telecommunications. His extensive career in corporate finance, restructuring, and business transformation has seen him successfully navigate both domestic and international markets, driving growth and revitalising numerous businesses.

Before taking on the role of CEO at Hektar REIT, Zainal Iskandar served as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director on the REIT's Board, where his strategic guidance played an important role in shaping the direction of the trust. Previously, he held key leadership positions, including Group CEO and Executive Director of Perak Corporation Berhad, where he was instrumental in leading a turnaround that restored profitability after several years of financial challenges. He has also served in senior roles such as Chairman of the Executive Committee and Board Member of Lumut Maritime Terminal Sdn. Bhd. (Lumut Port) and played a crucial part in Perak Corp's debt restructuring.

In addition to his leadership roles, Zainal Iskandar has served as Chairman of PKEINPK Properties Sdn. Bhd., Managing Partner of Heureka Capital Partners, and as a Board Member of Perbadanan Ekonomi Islam Perak. He began his career with RENONG-United Engineers (Malaysia) Group, where he contributed to key corporate developments, including the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of TIME dotcom Berhad and the restructuring of RENONG-UEM Group. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Auckland, New Zealand.

Speaking on his new role, Zainal Iskandar Ismail said, "I am truly honoured to take on the position of Chief Executive Officer at Hektar REIT. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my predecessor for his exemplary leadership, which has set a solid foundation for the future. As we look ahead, I am excited about the opportunities for growth and value creation that lie before us. Together with the support of the Board and our dedicated management team, I am confident that we will continue to elevate Hektar REIT and generate sustainable, long-term returns for our unitholders."

The Board expressed their confidence in the appointment, stating, "Zainal Iskandar's appointment comes at an exciting and pivotal time for Hektar REIT. His extensive leadership experience, coupled with his strategic insights, make him the ideal candidate to steer the trust through its next phase of growth. We are confident that his expertise will further strengthen our position in the market, and under his leadership, Hektar REIT will continue to thrive and deliver value to all stakeholders."