Astro enters leadership transition as CEO Euan Smith exits after six years

Astro Malaysia Holdings has announced that its group chief executive officer (CEO), Euan Smith (pictured left), has stepped down after six years with the company, marking a new leadership transition for the media and entertainment group.

In a Bursa announcement, Astro said Smith's departure comes as the company's platform transformation progresses, with the board deeming it an appropriate time for a change in leadership to guide the business through its next phase.

Smith joined Astro in April 2020 as group chief operating officer and CEO of TV before being elevated to the role of group CEO in February 2023. During his tenure, he led the company through a period of significant industry change as audiences increasingly shifted towards digital and streaming platforms.

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While the company conducts a search for a permanent successor, Astro has appointed Henry Tan (pictured right) as interim group CEO, effective 16 June 2026.

Tan previously served as Astro's group CEO from February 2019 to January 2023. In his interim capacity, he will oversee the company's performance and operations, supported by Astro's executive leadership team.

According to Astro, Smith will continue to support the company in an advisory capacity, providing technical assistance to the board until 6 December 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.

"The Astro Board would like to record its appreciation to Euan for his leadership and contributions over the past six years and wish him the best in his future endeavours," the company said in its statement.

The leadership change comes as Astro continues to navigate evolving consumer viewing habits and increasing competition from global streaming platforms, while advancing its own digital transformation efforts.

Smith's exit follows a period of strategic change for the broadcaster, which has been focused on strengthening its streaming and content offerings as part of its long-term business transformation.

Prior to his six years with Astro, Smith had been the COO of Foxtel Group in Sydney Australia. He had also previously worked as a director at Valonon, a consultant for Fox Networks Group, and the COO and executive vice president for product and operations at Sky Deutschland. He also had stints at Vaillant Group, KPMG, and Unilever. 

Just this May, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) announced it would discontinue its channels on Astro’s satellite and OTT (over the top) platforms beginning 1 July 2026, according to media reports. RTM said both parties had struggled to reach a pricing agreement and contract structure that aligned with their respective financial capabilities.

The move marks the end of almost three decades of collaboration between the two broadcasters and comes amid heightened industry scrutiny over the country's broadcast outlook following Astro's recent loss of the FIFA World Cup 2026 rights. Earlier that month, the MADANI government announced that RTM and Unifi TV would become the official broadcasters for FIFA World Cup 2026 in Malaysia, ending Astro’s two-decade run with the tournament.

Meanwhile, in October 2025, Astro Malaysia has completed its agency review to appoint new creative and media partners in a move to strengthen its marketing ecosystem and sharpen strategic execution across its platforms.

Following an extensive pitch process involving leading agencies, Naga DDB Tribal has been reappointed as Astro’s creative agency-on-record (AOR), while Publicis Malaysia joins as its new media AOR. Both partnerships will officially commence in early 2026.

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