Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAS) has appointed chief operating officer Peter Bellew as its new chief executive, with effect from July 1, the airline said today.

Current CEO Christoph Mueller, who had said this year that he would leave in September due to "changing personal circumstances," will go on leave and step down from the board immediately.

Bellew's appointment will ensure continuity in the execution of Malaysia Airlines' turnaround plan and further progress of the overall restructuring, the company said in an emailed statement.

- Reuters