Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

MindMerge Consulting; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transportation firm in Kuala Lumpur is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead its public transportation division. The ideal candidate will have 20-25 years of experience in public transport, exceptional strategic planning skills, and a proven track record in managing complex, regulated operations. This role emphasizes operational excellence and stakeholder management, with a focus on delivering world-class service standards and ensuring compliance with safety metrics. Competitive compensation and a unique opportunity for transformational leadership await the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Minimum 20 – 25 years of leadership experience in public transportation.
• Proven track record of managing complex, regulated operations.
• Experience with government-owned companies is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the transportation division operations.
• Ensure operational excellence and safety compliance.
• Formulate strategic plans for future growth.

Skills

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Operational excellence

Leadership

Negotiation

Job description

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Posted on 10/15/2025

Our client is a transportation company and is looking for a Chief Executive Officer. This position will lead and direct the organization’s transportation division operation to meet external stakeholders, authorities and customers requirements and expectations in delivering reliable, integrated, and affordable public transportation while achieving revenue for operational sustainability.

• Realize the organization shareholder expectations and requirements as directed by the government in providing reliable, integrated, and affordable transportation.
• Achieve targeted revenue to sustain the organization operations and maintenance activities and set directions and strategies for the organization’s future growth.
• Direct and review the organization business development’s feasibility studies, seeking new areas in which the organization could expand globally, selling capabilities and expertise by becoming commercial operators or joint venture operator mode and have strategic partnerships with global developers and operators to realize the organization’s vision of becoming a provider of the world‑class mass public transportation system.
• Ensure operational excellence target is achieved with world‑class station service and facilities well maintained with seamless ticketing and integrated services, safe for utilization, and meet customer expectations.
• Optimize utilization of the organization’s assets within the station parameter and ensure operations activities are conducted as per the Standard Operating Procedures, meeting Rules Book and authorities’ requirements, and conducted in the most professional, cost‑effective, and efficient manner within the plan, schedule, and budget commitments to the government in meeting Transport Transformation Key Result Area (NKRA).

Strategic & Commercial Acumen

• Demonstrated ability to formulate and implement strategic plans to drive operational efficiency, service quality, and revenue growth.
• Deep understanding of transport economics, public‑private partnerships, and commercial models in the rail industry.
• Capability to identify and pursue business development opportunities, including feasibility studies, global partnerships, and commercialization of expertise.

Stakeholder Management

• Strong experience managing high‑level stakeholders, including government ministries, regulatory agencies, and the public.
• Excellent diplomatic, negotiation, and communication skills to align the organization with national transport policies and NKRA goals.

Operational Excellence

• Track record of delivering world‑class service standards, safety compliance, and integrated system performance in rail or comparable sectors.
• Familiarity with asset utilization, SOP compliance, and cost control in large operational environments.
• Deep understanding of service reliability metrics, safety standards, and customer experience frameworks in public transport.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Proven ability to lead large, multi‑disciplinary teams across operations, maintenance, commercial, and support functions.
• Strong change management skills to drive organizational transformation, continuous improvement, and performance culture.
• Experience managing direct reports at the senior management level with a clear understanding of governance and board‑level responsibilities.

Requirements

Experience & Background

• Minimum 20 – 25 years of leadership experience in public transportation, rail operations, or large‑scale infrastructure management.
• Proven track record of managing complex, regulated operations with high public visibility and stakeholder scrutiny.
• Experience working with government‑owned companies (GOCs), government‑linked companies (GLCs), or regulatory bodies (e.g., APAD, MOT) is highly advantageous.
• Prior experience leading or overseeing rail operations, maintenance, and/or system integration (heavy rail, LRT, MRT, or monorail).
• Exposure to international rail operations or partnerships with global rail developers/operators is a strong plus.