BENYAMIN ISMAIL
General Manager, AirAsia X Berhad
With a background in investment banking and corporate strategy, Benyamin brings over two decades of financial and airline-specific expertise to AirAsia X. His career began in Debt Capital Markets, where he held roles at Affin Investment Bank, Maybank Investment Bank and CIMB Investment Bank. Transitioning to the aviation sector in 2010 as AirAsia’s Head of Investor Relations, his strategic acumen and excellence in stakeholder engagement earned him prestigious industry recognition, including multiple "Best IR Professional" awards from Bursa Malaysia’s MIRA and Corporate Governance Asia.
Since being appointed CEO of AirAsia X in September 2015, Benyamin has been instrumental in navigating the airline through its most challenging periods. He has successfully spearheaded critical corporate transformations, most notably AirAsia X’s 2015 turnaround plan, the 2021 Debt Restructuring and the airline's subsequent upliftment from PN17 status in late 2023. Under his stewardship, AirAsia X successfully completed the strategic acquisitions of AirAsia’s airline entities, effectively consolidating the brand and positioning AirAsia X, now an enlarged aviation group, for sustainable, long-term expansion in the global market.
Benyamin also currently serves as a Director of Thai AirAsia X Co., Ltd. and Ground Team Red Sdn. Bhd.