Iris appoints new chairman and directors

PETALING JAYA: Iris Corp Bhd announced a slew of new directors into its board yesterday.

Firstly, Tan Sri Nik Mokhamed Nik Yaacob, 69 has been appointed as independent and non-executive chairman of the company.

Nik was formerly the group chief executive of Sime Darby Bhd from 1993 until his retirement in June 2004. He is currently the executive director of Perdana Leadership Foundation.

Secondly Dr Poh Soon Sim, 73, has been appointed as a non-independent and non-executive director for Iris. He is the father of Paul Poh Yang Hong, who is presently a shareholder in Iris.

Paul directly and indirectly owns 7.15% and 8.55% in the company.

A doctor by qualificiation, Poh was previously on the board of Hong Leong Financial Group (HLFG) from Jan 31, 1991 to Nov 25, 2011.

Currently, Poh is still a director of Hong Leong Co (M) Bhd and Hong Leong Foundation, both public companies.

Thirdly, Ling Hee Keat 46, has been appointed as an independent and non-executive director of Iris.

Ling is currently a senior associate at Leong Partnership, Advocates and Solicitors. He is a certified mediator with the Malaysian Bar Association and serves as a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee.

A slew of high-profile figures have emerged in Iris. On Sept 25, Berjaya Corp Bhd CEO Datuk Seri Robin Tan Yeong Ching emerged with a 8.33% stake in the company. Felda Investment Corp Sdn Bhd is the single largest shareholder with a 11.66% stake.