Axiata Group appoints Maya Hari as independent non-executive director

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 11): Axiata Group Bhd has appointed Maya Hari as an independent non-executive director effective Jan 11, 2023.

In a statement on Wednesday (Jan 11), Axiata said Maya currently serves as the chief executive officer of climate-tech start-up Terrascope and serves on the board of Aviva Singlife Holdings as its non-executive director and chair of Digital & Technology Committee.

In the past decade, Maya has led organisations with technology companies the likes of Twitter, Samsung Asia and Condé Nast India, successfully spearheading digitalisation, monetisation and scaling efforts beyond the traditional charter of each organisation she has been with.

Prior to that, she co-founded and was the CEO of an e-commerce platform on the back of close to a decade’s experience in strategy and marketing with the likes of Schlumberger, Cisco Systems, Google and Microsoft Corp since 2000.

In addition to her professional and directorial experience, she is a renowned angel investor focused on early-stage venture capital in the areas of technology, food, agriculture and related sectors in sustainability. Her past directorships include serving as the non-executive director of Open Learning in Australia.

Maya holds a Masters in Electrical Engineering from Utah State University and an MBA from INSEAD, France.

Axiata chairman Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan said, “The board is pleased to welcome Maya Hari, who brings a diverse and comprehensive worldview to the group. Her experience in tech-driven high growth businesses, digital transformation, international expansion and sustainability will bring a new strategic dimension to Axiata’s efforts in digitalisation within a collaborative and inclusive culture.”

Axiata joint acting CEO Vivek Sood said, “We are pleased to have Maya on our board. Her vast international experience in building digital ecosystems and digital platforms will provide guidance as Axiata matures in its digital businesses and transforms the organisation towards achieving its vision of becoming the Next Generation Digital Champion.”

Axiata joint acting CEO Dr Hans Wijayasuriya said, “We welcome Maya’s appointment as an independent non-executive director and believe that her stewardship will provide added impetus to the advancement of Axiata’s aspirations in the digital sphere. Maya’s strategic experience in Big Tech will no doubt bolster Axiata’s forward journey and telco to techco transition.”