Leadership changes often signal where businesses are headed next. Whether it’s accelerating AI adoption, driving healthcare innovation, expanding clean energy, or strengthening regional operations, executive appointments often reveal an organization’s priorities long before the results become visible.
Welcome to the first edition of Asia Leadership Moves, a new editorial series by NewInAsia highlighting notable executive appointments from across the region. Each edition brings together leaders taking on strategic roles across industries, offering readers a curated snapshot of the people shaping Asia’s evolving business landscape.
Highlights
Saadia Zahidi
Director General, International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Saadia Zahidi has been appointed Director General of IATA, becoming the first woman to lead the global airline association in its 80-year history. Formerly a Managing Director at the World Economic Forum, she brings extensive experience in global economic policy and public-private collaboration.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for the aviation industry as airlines continue balancing sustainability goals, operational resilience, and international cooperation.
Raymond Wong
Singapore Enterprise & Public Sector Lead, Databricks
Databricks has appointed Raymond Wong as Singapore Enterprise & Public Sector Lead. Having previously led ServiceNow Singapore, he brings deep enterprise technology experience to help organizations accelerate AI and data adoption.
As businesses increasingly move from AI experimentation to enterprise-scale implementation, experienced technology leaders will play a critical role in driving successful digital transformation.
Martijn Peeters
CEO, PwC South East Asia Consulting
Martijn Peeters has been appointed CEO of PwC South East Asia Consulting. After leading PwC Indonesia and holding regional leadership positions, he now oversees one of the region’s largest consulting businesses.
His appointment reflects the growing demand for consulting firms capable of helping organizations navigate AI adoption, business transformation, and long-term growth strategies.
Jacques Boonen
Managing Director, Southeast Asia, ENGIE
ENGIE has appointed Jacques Boonen as Managing Director for Southeast Asia. A long-time company executive, he will lead the expansion of low-carbon energy solutions across one of the world’s fastest-growing regions.
With governments and businesses accelerating decarbonisation efforts, experienced regional leadership will remain essential to delivering large-scale energy transition projects.
Siddharth Mittal
Managing Director & CEO, Syngene International
Siddharth Mittal has been appointed Managing Director and CEO of Syngene International. Bringing nearly 30 years of industry experience, he will lead the company’s next phase of global growth in contract research, development, and manufacturing.
His appointment reflects the continued expansion of Asia’s life sciences ecosystem as global pharmaceutical companies deepen research and manufacturing partnerships across the region.
Jenny Wilhelm
Managing Director, Allianz Commercial Singapore
Jenny Wilhelm has been appointed Managing Director of Allianz Commercial Singapore. With more than two decades of experience in commercial insurance and financial services, she will oversee the company’s growth strategy in one of Asia’s leading financial centres.
As businesses face increasingly complex cyber, climate, and operational risks, insurers continue investing in experienced leadership to strengthen regional capabilities.
Dr. Savitha Dharan
Chief Executive Officer, Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara
Dr. Savitha Dharan has been appointed CEO of Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara. Recognized for driving healthcare transformation, she will lead the hospital’s continued focus on innovation, operational excellence, and patient-centred care.
Healthcare organizations across Asia are increasingly seeking leaders who can combine clinical excellence with operational efficiency and digital innovation.
Najmie Noordin
Chief Transformation Officer, Johor Corporation
Johor Corporation has appointed Najmie Noordin as Chief Transformation Officer with responsibility for transformation, talent, and ecosystem development. He will also lead the organization’s ambition to become an AI-first institution.
His expanded mandate reflects how transformation leadership is evolving beyond technology to include organizational culture, workforce development, and long-term institutional resilience.
Ilham Maulana
Regional HR Director, Asia Pacific, Procter & Gamble
Ilham Maulana has been appointed Regional HR Director for Grooming, Oral Care, and Product Supply across Asia Pacific at Procter & Gamble. A long-time P&G leader, he will shape talent strategy across several of the company’s largest regional business units.
As organizations continue adapting to rapid technological and workforce changes, strategic HR leadership is becoming increasingly central to business performance and future readiness.
More Than Just New Job Titles
These appointments aren’t simply career milestones — they reveal how companies are preparing for what’s next. Whether it’s accelerating AI adoption, leading digital transformation, expanding into new markets, or strengthening customer and talent strategies, leadership decisions often signal where industries are headed long before the results become visible.
That’s why Asia Leadership Moves goes beyond announcing who joined where. We connect the dots behind these appointments, highlighting the people, priorities, and business trends shaping Asia’s evolving economy.
Because every leadership move tells a story — and together, they reveal where the region is heading next.
Highlights
Read the Chinese article here.
