THAILAND/MALAYSIA. AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes has taken the top honour at Influential Brands’ seventh edition of the Asia CEO Summit & Award Ceremony after being named as 2019 Asia’s Top CEO. His company was also recognised as the number one aviation employer at the event, staged at the Chatrium Riverside Hotel, Bangkok.
Serial entrepreneur Fernandes is the co-founder of AirAsia, Malaysia’s largest airline by fleet size and destinations. The airline owns successful digital marketplace OurShop, which was created to connect international air travellers with airport, high street and local specialist retailers.
One of the highlights of AirAsia’s year was its recent recognition as Asia Pacific Digital Transformer of the Year, when it triumphed over 11,000 nominated companies.
Reflecting on his latest win, Fernandes said: “I am thrilled to be recognised as Asia’s Top CEO by Influential Brands. I’d like to share this honour with our Allstars who have made AirAsia what it is today. Most companies don’t realise that their biggest asset is often people, that they’re only ever as good as those they employ.
“This is why for 18 years, I’ve been focused on doing my best for them, turning raw diamonds into diamonds, and I am proud to say that even with 24,000 staff, we’re generally a happy company.”
On being recognised as the top aviation employer, AirAsia Group Chief People and Culture Officer Varun Bhatia said: “The Top Employer Brand award is a recognition for our Allstars and their commitment and relentless pursuit in ensuring guest happiness and ensuring AirAsia is an awesome company to work for, as we transition from being the world’s best low cost airline for 11 years consecutively to becoming the world’s best travel tech company.”
A total of 17 other employers, including Pernod Ricard (Wines & Spirits) and Swarovski (Jewellery) were recognised across wide-ranging categories.
Influential Brands Managing Director Jorge Rodriguez said: “The accolade of Top Employer is a true testament of their best-in-class HR practices and a great culture making them the best employers to work for.”
In addition, 2019 Asia’s Top Influential Brands were named at the awards ceremony including Acer (Laptop), Adidas (Sports), Chow Tai Fook (Jewellery), Oppo (SmartPhone), Shiseido (Skincare) and Watsons (Personal Care Retailer).
The award winners were primarily based on consumer insights and surveys covering seven countries and more than 5,000 respondents.
Guest of honour at the ceremony was Chuan Leekpai, former Prime Minister and President of the National Assembly of Thailand.
