Astro Leadership Shift
Astro Group CEO Euan Smith Steps Down After Six Years; Henry Tan Named Interim
Astro Malaysia Holdings said its Group CEO, Euan Smith, will step down after six years, with the board citing that Astro’s platform transformation is sufficiently advanced to support a leadership change for the company’s next phase. Smith joined in April 2020 as group COO and CEO of TV, then became Group CEO in February 2023 and led Astro through shifts toward digital and streaming viewing while it expanded its own transformation efforts. Pending the search for a permanent successor, Astro appointed Henry Tan—who previously served as Astro’s Group CEO from February 2019 to January 2023—as interim Group CEO effective June 16, 2026. Tan will oversee Astro’s overall performance and operations with support from the company’s executive leadership team. Smith will remain available in a technical advisory capacity to the board until December 6, 2026 to help ensure continuity during the transition. The company publicly thanked Smith for his contributions over his tenure and wished him well.
Key Points
Astro said Euan Smith stepped down after six years that included two term extensions.
Astro’s leadership change is occurring as it responds to shifting consumer viewing habits and intensifying competition from global streaming platforms while pushing its own digital transformation and streaming/content strategy.
Financial disclosures showed Smith holds 2.96 million Astro shares (about 0.057% of total issued shares) and has an interest in more than 48.35 million unissued ordinary shares under the company’s long-term incentive plan via performance share awards.
Astro’s Bursa filings noted its securities trading was halted from 9am and resumed at 10am; the company’s shares closed at six sen last Friday and had a market capitalisation of RM313.55 million.
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