KUALA LUMPUR — Yayasan PETRONAS has announced a leadership transition, with Fifinaz Nareeman Faizal appointed as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Shariah Nelly Francis, whose tenure ends on Oct 31, 2026.
Fifinaz, currently General Manager of Strategic Communications for PETRONAS’ Gas & Maritime Business, will assume the position effective Nov 1, 2026.
Shariah Nelly, who has led the Foundation for the past six years, strengthened Yayasan PETRONAS’ role as the national oil and gas company’s social impact arm through greater strategic focus, stronger governance and outcome-driven programme delivery.
During her tenure, she spearheaded the development of the Foundation’s Theory of Change framework, aligning its programmes and partnerships with three core pillars: Education, Community Wellbeing and Development, and Environment.
Under her leadership, Yayasan PETRONAS reached nearly 787,000 community members nationwide through initiatives addressing educational needs, community resilience, environmental stewardship and disaster response.
Her leadership also strengthened collaboration with strategic partners, expanded the Foundation’s outreach and enhanced its capacity to deliver initiatives with clear objectives, accountability and measurable impact.
Yayasan PETRONAS Board of Trustees Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh said Shariah Nelly had played an instrumental role in strengthening the Foundation’s ability to create meaningful and lasting impact on communities across Malaysia.
“Her commitment to outcomes-driven initiatives has helped shape the Foundation’s strategic direction and strengthened its efforts to deliver sustainable social impact. We wish her every success in the next chapter of her journey,” he said.
Mohd Bakke expressed confidence in Fifinaz’s ability to build on the Foundation’s achievements, strengthen partnerships and steer its efforts towards meaningful, measurable and sustainable social impact nationwide.
Fifinaz brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing, strategic communications, business development, people strategy and enterprise-level transformation within the PETRONAS Group.
In her current role, she oversees communications, brand and reputation positioning, as well as stakeholder engagement for PETRONAS’ Gas & Maritime Business.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and International Business from Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business in the United States.
—Bernama
