George Kent looks at the new CEO’s future businesses

KUALA LUMPUR: George Kent (M) Bhd has appointed Datuk Thomas Leong Yew Hong as its chief strategy and investment officer, a position he will assume from Thursday.

The role, which does not come with a board seat, will see Leong, 52, work closely with executive chairman Tan Sri Tan Kay Hock on long-term strategy, business development, investments and mergers and acquisitions for the group.

He will also work on opportunities in complementary business areas, such as water infrastructure and rail transportation, that have not been explored so far, the company said in a statement.

“Leong’s role includes exploring opportunities in renewable energy, advanced technologies, artificial intelligence and data center solutions. Together, these elements will take George Kent into areas that are the “businesses of the future,” diversifying away from traditional businesses,” the statement read.

A graduate of Harvard Business School, he previously served as group strategy director at the industrial and automotive group Sime Darby Bhd.