KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Berhad has appointed Datuk Ruslan Abdul Ghani as its Group chief executive officer (CEO)-designate, with effect from Sept 1, as part of a planned leadership transition ahead of the retirement of Datuk Sharbini Suhaili.
The utility company announced that Ruslan will officially assume the role of Group CEO on Nov 1 following Sharbini’s retirement upon the completion of his current contract at the end of October.
Currently serving as president and group CEO of Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad, Ruslan brings more than three decades of leadership experience in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
An engineer by training, he holds a Master of Science in Engineering Business Management from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom.
Before joining Bintulu Port Holdings, Ruslan spent 32 years with PETRONAS, holding senior leadership positions in Malaysia as well as Sudan, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Turkmenistan.
During his tenure at Bintulu Port Holdings, he played a key role in the successful transfer of Bintulu Port from federal to Sarawak ownership while driving organisational transformation, operational excellence and sustainable growth.
As CEO-designate, Ruslan will work closely with Sharbini and the Group executive committee over the next two months to ensure a smooth and orderly leadership transition.
Sarawak Energy chairman Datuk Ibrahim Baki said the appointment reflects the Board’s confidence in Ruslan’s ability to lead the company into its next phase of growth.
“Ruslan brings extensive leadership experience, strategic vision and a proven track record of delivering transformation across complex organisations.
“His expertise in the energy and infrastructure sectors, combined with his strong commitment to operational excellence and sustainability, will enable Sarawak Energy to continue advancing its long-term strategy while supporting Sarawak’s renewable energy aspirations,” he said.
Ibrahim also expressed the board’s appreciation to Sharbini for his leadership and contributions during his tenure.
He said under Sharbini’s leadership, Sarawak Energy had grown into one of Southeast Asia’s leading renewable energy utilities through the successful implementation of the Sarawak Energy Excellence Roadmap.
He credited Sharbini with strengthening the group’s operational and financial resilience, expanding regional energy connectivity and positioning Sarawak as an emerging renewable energy powerhouse.
Among the major milestones achieved during Sharbini’s tenure were the acquisition of the Bakun Hydroelectric Plant, the strengthening of Sarawak Energy’s financial position while maintaining international investment-grade and domestic AAA credit ratings, as well as embedding a strong health, safety, security and environment (HSSE) culture throughout the organisation.
The Bakun Hydroelectric Plant also received the International Hydropower Association (IHA) Blue Planet Prize 2025 and the Hydropower Sustainability Standard Silver Certification, further enhancing Sarawak Energy’s international reputation in sustainable hydropower.
“On behalf of the bBoard, I extend our deepest appreciation to Sharbini for his exemplary service and dedication to Sarawak Energy and Sarawak.
“His contributions have established a strong platform for the organisation’s continued success, and we wish him every success in his future endeavours,” Ibrahim said.
The board said the leadership transition reflects Sarawak Energy’s commitment to sound corporate governance and succession planning, adding that the change will not affect the group’s operations, strategic priorities or its commitment to delivering reliable, sustainable and affordable energy to customers, business partners and stakeholders.
