KUALA LUMPUR: Astro Group chief executive officer Euan Smith expressed his appreciation to Ashwad Ismail following the latter’s decision to step down as editor-in-chief of Astro AWANI.
In a statement today, Euan said Ashwad will be leaving the group after more than 18 years of service, describing his tenure as marked by strong leadership and unwavering commitment to quality journalism.
He noted that under Ashwad’s leadership, with the support of the Astro AWANI newsroom team, the channel strengthened its position as Malaysia’s most trusted news brand.
Euan added that the new leadership structure for the Astro AWANI newsroom will be announced to staff in the near future.
He also described Ashwad’s contributions as significant in shaping the organisation’s editorial direction and news coverage standards, while calling on Astro employees to record their appreciation for his dedication.
After more than 19 years of service, from the channel’s early establishment to its current standing as the country’s most trusted news brand, Ashwad officially announced his resignation as editor-in-chief.
He had been part of the founding vision that led to the channel’s launch in 2007 and, over the past five years, was entrusted by Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad to lead Astro Awani Network Sdn Bhd during one of the most challenging and transformative periods in global media history.
Ashwad is expected to succeed Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman as director-general of Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), effective today.
