Success in the corporate world is rarely the result of a single achievement. It is built through years of learning, adapting to change, making difficult decisions, and understanding how to turn challenges into opportunities. The career of Datuk Imri Mokhtar, a Malaysian telecommunications executive and former Group Chief Executive Officer of Telekom Malaysia Berhad, reflects the importance of experience, strategic thinking, and continuous professional growth. From beginning his career in the telecommunications industry to leading one of Malaysia’s most established connectivity providers, his journey demonstrates how a combination of technical knowledge and business leadership can help shape an evolving industry.
Imri Mokhtar began his professional journey in 1996 when he joined Telekom Malaysia, commonly known as TM. With a strong educational background in engineering and management, he entered an industry that was undergoing significant technological transformation. Telecommunications was no longer limited to traditional telephone services. The growth of mobile communications, broadband internet, digital entertainment, and enterprise technology was creating new opportunities while demanding that established companies rethink their strategies.
Imri understood that succeeding in such an environment required more than technical expertise. It required an understanding of customers, business operations, organisational performance, and the changing needs of society. Throughout his career, he developed experience across different areas of the telecommunications and media industries, gradually building the skills needed to take on greater responsibilities.
His professional journey was not limited to a single organisation. Before returning to Telekom Malaysia in 2005, he gained experience working with a global management consulting firm and a pay-TV operator. These experiences exposed him to different business models and approaches to problem-solving. They also provided opportunities to understand how companies could improve their operations, respond to competition, and adapt to changing consumer expectations.
When he returned to TM, Imri took on several important leadership positions. He served in roles including Vice President of the Programme and Performance Management Office and Executive Vice President of Consumer. Later, as Executive Vice President of unifi, he became involved in managing a major telecommunications and digital services brand. His responsibilities required him to understand customer needs while balancing innovation, operational efficiency, and business performance.
Over time, Imri’s experience positioned him for senior executive leadership. He served as Chief Operating Officer of Telekom Malaysia, overseeing important aspects of the group’s business operations, including unifi, TM ONE, and TM Global. These business divisions served different markets, from individual consumers and households to enterprises and international wholesale customers. His responsibilities required coordination across multiple business areas and an understanding of how connectivity infrastructure could support Malaysia’s wider digital ambitions.
In November 2018, he became Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, a position he held until June 2019. Although he did not immediately receive the permanent appointment, he continued developing his leadership experience. He later served as Chief Operating Officer of Celcom Axiata Berhad, where he was responsible for operational excellence and technology-related functions. This role further broadened his experience within Malaysia’s telecommunications industry.
A significant milestone arrived in July 2020, when Telekom Malaysia announced his appointment as Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 August 2020. His appointment came during an exceptionally challenging period, as the COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted businesses and changed how people worked, studied, and communicated. Reliable internet connectivity had become essential for remote employment, online education, healthcare communication, and everyday life.
Leading a major telecommunications company during this period required careful planning and the ability to respond to rapidly changing circumstances. Under his leadership, TM continued its role as a national connectivity and digital infrastructure provider, supporting households, businesses, and public institutions. The company also faced the broader challenge of preparing for a future in which digital services, cloud technologies, enterprise connectivity, and data-driven operations would become increasingly important.
Imri completed his three-year tenure as Group CEO on 31 July 2023, when Amar Huzaimi Md Deris succeeded him. Although his time in the position was limited to three years, his appointment represented the culmination of decades of professional experience across telecommunications, strategy, and business operations.
His academic background also played an important role in his career. Imri earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics Engineering and Management Studies with first-class honours from University College London in the United Kingdom. He also attended leadership programmes at Cambridge Judge Business School and Harvard Business School, strengthening his understanding of business strategy and executive leadership.
Imri Mokhtar’s career offers an important lesson for aspiring professionals: leadership is often the result of steady progress rather than sudden success. His journey involved working across different organisations, taking on increasingly complex responsibilities, and developing a broad understanding of an industry undergoing constant change. Each role contributed to the experience that prepared him for greater challenges.
For young people interested in business, engineering, or technology, his story highlights the importance of combining specialised knowledge with communication, strategic thinking, and adaptability. Technical skills may open the door to a career, but the willingness to learn, understand people, and take responsibility can create opportunities for advancement.
Ultimately, Imri Mokhtar’s professional journey demonstrates that meaningful leadership is built over time. It requires the ability to recognise change, make informed decisions, and work towards long-term organisational goals. His career reminds us that every professional experience, whether it involves leading a team, managing operations, or learning from a setback, can become a stepping stone towards greater responsibility.
His story carries a message for anyone beginning their career: success does not require having the entire journey planned from the beginning. It requires making the most of each opportunity, learning from every experience, and continuing to grow until you are ready to take on the next challenge.