Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad (MARC), a leading financial services provider in Malaysia, announced today the appointment of key executives, a significant milestone in the company's expansion efforts. Rajan Paramesran is now the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MARC Ratings Berhad (MARC Ratings), Hafiza Abdul Rashid is appointed as Chief Rating Officer of MARC Ratings, Badrul Hisham Zawawi takes on the position of MARC's Chief Commercial Officer, and Dr. Ray Choy is the new Chief Economist of MARC Ratings.
Rajan, who joined MARC in 2008 and previously served as Chief Rating Officer since 2014, now leads as CEO of MARC Ratings effective August 1, 2023. With over 38 years of extensive experience in the financial services industry, he now oversees the ratings operations. Prior to joining MARC, Rajan held various positions at prestigious institutions, including Peregrine Fixed Income Ltd and BNP Paribas. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Malaya and a Master of Business Studies from University College Dublin, Ireland.
Hafiza has been appointed as the new Chief Rating Officer of MARC Ratings. She joined the company in 2019 as the Head of Ratings Portfolio for Infrastructure and Telecommunications, and later assumed the role of Deputy Chief Rating Officer from September 2022. With an impressive 33 years of experience in the financial sector, Hafiza has also contributed her expertise at RAM Ratings and UEM Group. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance) and a Master of Business Administration (Finance) from Western Illinois University, USA.
Badrul Hisham Zawawi brings with him 25 years of seasoned commercial banking experience to his new role as MARC’s Chief Commercial Officer, effective June 2023. He has an extensive background in managing diverse portfolios, encompassing government-linked companies, large corporates, and conglomerates during his banking career which includes Affin Bank, Maybank and RHB Bank. Badrul holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Indiana State University, USA.
Dr. Ray Choy, Chief Economist at MARC Ratings since June 2023, is a distinguished economist with 21 years of experience in various financial areas, including economic research, foreign exchange, commodities analysis, funds management, equities investments, and credit risk ratings. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Finance from Heriot-Watt University, a Bachelor of Science in Politics and International Relations from the University of London (LSE), a Master of Science in Finance (Economic Policy) from the University of London (SOAS), and a Doctor of Philosophy focused on sovereign credit ratings from the University of Nottingham.
MARC Ratings also announced the promotions of two key heads of portfolios: Sharidan Salleh, with an impressive 24-year track record in the financial industry, has been appointed as the Senior Head of Ratings Portfolio for Oil & Gas and Power. Meanwhile, Taufiq Kamal, who has 14 years of experience, has been promoted to the role of Senior Head of Ratings Portfolio for Property, Conglomerates, and Automotive Services.
Datuk Jamaludin Nasir, Group CEO of MARC, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments, stating, "We are pleased to embark on this new chapter at MARC with our latest appointments. Their extensive experience, industry knowledge, and proven track records will undoubtedly bolster our company and further enhance the Group's transformation journey. These new appointments reinforce the MARC Ratings team and enhance the Group’s competitive edge, reflecting MARC’s commitment to continuous excellence and dynamic expansion."