Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) former chairman Datuk Sabri Ahmad has been appointed Felda Holdings Bhd Group Managing Director effective today.

He succeeds Datuk Mohd Bakke Salleh who resigned following his appointment as Sime Darby Bhd president and chief executive.

Felda Chairman Tan Sri Dr Yusof Noor said the group’s board of directors picked Sabri after a thorough evaluation of several other candidates nominated for the post.

He said Felda was fortunate to have the services of a very experienced man, especially in the field that was Felda’s core activity — plantation, he told a media conference to announce Sabri’s appointment.

Yusof said Sabri will also take over other posts held by Bakke including as Felda Global Ventures Holdings Sdn Bhd group president and chief executive officer.

“We also want to express our gratitude and appreciation to Datuk Bakke for discharging his duties diligently and responsibly during his short stint in Felda,” he said.

Sabri holds a Science Masters Degree in Agro Economics from University of London and has an Advanced Diploma in International Studies from University of Rhode Island.

Besides serving as MPOB chairman, Sabri was Golden Hope Plantations Berhad former group chief executive officer.

Speaking at the same media conference, Sabri said his appointment was a trust and opportunity given to him to bring Felda’s achievements to greater heights.

“Felda is a very established organisation, one of the success stories of the country. I think the foundation is there, the system is there and I will try to improve the current achievements,” he added. – Bernama

Source: Business Times