Sarawak Energy Berhad has appointed Dato Ruslan bin Abdul Ghani as its Group Chief Executive Officer Designate, with effect from 1 September 2026, ahead of his appointment as Group Chief Executive Officer on 1 November 2026.
He will succeed Datuk Haji Sharbini Suhaili, who will retire at the end of October following the completion of his current contract.
Dato Ruslan joins Sarawak Energy from Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad, where he is President and Group Chief Executive Officer. An engineer by training, he holds a Master of Science in Engineering Business Management from the University of Warwick and has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Before joining Bintulu Port Holdings, he spent 32 years with PETRONAS in senior leadership roles in Malaysia and internationally, including Sudan, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Turkmenistan. At Bintulu Port Holdings, he oversaw the transfer of the port from Federal to Sarawak ownership while leading organisational transformation and operational improvements.
As CEO Designate, Dato Ruslan will work alongside Datuk Haji Sharbini and the Group Executive Committee during a two-month transition period before taking over the role.
Chairman Datuk Haji Ibrahim Baki said: “Dato Ruslan brings extensive leadership experience, strategic vision and a proven track record of delivering transformation across complex organisations. His expertise in the energy and infrastructure sectors, combined with his strong commitment to operational excellence and sustainability, will enable Sarawak Energy to continue advancing its long-term strategy while supporting Sarawak’s renewable energy aspirations.”
The chairman also paid tribute to Datuk Haji Sharbini’s leadership during his tenure at the utility.
“Under Datuk Haji Sharbini’s leadership, Sarawak Energy has evolved into one of Southeast Asia’s leading renewable energy utilities through the successful implementation of the Sarawak Energy Excellence Roadmap. He strengthened the Group’s operational and financial resilience, expanded regional energy connectivity and firmly positioned Sarawak as an emerging renewable energy powerhouse.”
During his tenure, Sarawak Energy acquired the Bakun Hydroelectric Plant, maintained international investment-grade and domestic AAA credit ratings, and expanded its health, safety, security and environment (HSSE) programme. The Bakun Hydroelectric Plant also received the International Hydropower Association’s Blue Planet Prize 2025 and Hydropower Sustainability Standard Silver Certification.
The chairman added: “On behalf of the Board, I extend our deepest appreciation to Datuk Haji Sharbini for his exemplary service and dedication to Sarawak Energy and Sarawak. His contributions have established a strong platform for the organisation’s continued success, and we wish him every success in his future endeavours.”
Sarawak Energy said the leadership transition forms part of its corporate governance and succession planning process and will not affect the group’s operations, strategic priorities or its commitment to delivering reliable, sustainable and affordable energy.
