KUALA LUMPUR (May 11): ATA IMS Bhd has appointed a new chief operating officer (COO) to lead the electronics manufacturing service (EMS) company.

ATA announced on Wednesday (May 11) that Dharma Rajan Nadarajah had assumed his duties on Monday (May 9).

Dharma’s key roles include overseeing the group’s operations, building high performance teams, strengthening ATA's revenue base, and expanding its environmental, social and governance initiatives.

He was previously the executive vice president of another electronic manufacturing company — Venture Corporation Ltd — and had managed its global operations, customer management, design services and sales.

“ATA is confident that Dharma’s knowledge and experience will further the group’s goal of strengthening our position as the leading EMS provider in Malaysia and the region,” ATA said in a statement.

The company also stated that Dharma’s appointment follows the positive results of an independent review recently received by ATA from a big four accounting firm.

The independent review was undertaken following allegations of forced labour at ATA last year, which saw its contract with Dyson scheduled for termination come June 1. Dyson makes up 80% of ATA’s revenue.

ATA’s share price closed up at 39.5 sen on Wednesday, valuing the group at RM475 million.