KUALA LUMPUR (March 27): Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has appointed Amir Hamzah Azizan as its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective April 2.

This follows the resignation of incumbent president cum CEO Datuk Seri Azman Mohd, who has helmed the state-owned utility giant for over six years, with effect from March 31.

Amir Hamzah, 51, is currently chairman of Main Market-listed total asset solutions company UEM Edgenta Bhd. He is the son of former Petronas chairman Tun Azizan Zainul Abidin.

He started his career serving the Shell group of companies for 10 years, serving in various capacities, before holding senior leadership roles at Petronas Dagangan Bhd, Petroliam Nasional Bhd, and Icon Offshore Bhd, according to TNB's bourse filing.

Azman, 61, is reported to have been asked to relinquish his position as TNB's president and CEO via a notice on March 8.

His current contract, which was extended for two years on July 1 last year, is only due to end on June 30 next year. This was his second extension after being appointed as president and group CEO on July 1, 2012, the report said.

Shares in TNB rose six sen or 0.48% to close at RM12.58 today, for a market capitalisation of RM71.54 billion.