Petronas names new senior general manager of strategic communications

Malaysian energy group Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) has appointed Arni Laily Anwarrudin as its new senior general manager of strategic communications within the group strategic relations and communications division, effective 1 November 2025.

In her expanded role, Arni will oversee enterprise-wide communications for Malaysia’s integrated energy company, spanning brand management, sponsorships, media relations, internal and external communications, and social impact initiatives. Her remit covers PETRONAS’ broad operations—from upstream oil and gas to downstream refining, petrochemicals, renewable energy, and maritime logistics—with products present in over 90 countries. Arni will also continue leading Energy Asia, the company’s bi-annual thought leadership forum focused on Asia’s energy transition.

She previously held the roles of senior GM, energy Asia and strategy, planning and governance, group strategic relations; head of merger and acquisition, PETRONAS Ventures; and head of PETRONAS Ventures. 

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Reporting to Norafizal Mat Saad, vice president of group strategic relations and communications, Arni’s mandate is to unify PETRONAS’ communications across a complex, multi-business organisation. She aims to make the company’s messaging leaner, more focused, and tech-enabled, while shaping credible perceptions and fostering stakeholder trust as the company navigates its transformation under PETRONAS 2.0.

“PETRONAS’ story is one of depth and evolution. We’re a 50-year-young organisation delivering across the full energy value chain, enriching lives for a sustainable future,” Arni said. “Our task isn’t to simplify that story, but to tell it with clarity and conviction, so that every part of PETRONAS echoes the same vibration of passionate about progress, grounded in our purpose and direction under PETRONAS 2.0.”

Her appointment signals the company’s strategic intent to strengthen integrated communications at a pivotal time, ensuring that all messages, platforms, and stakeholder engagements reflect PETRONAS’ shared values and transformation agenda, while addressing the distinct market realities and priorities across its diverse business lines.

Arni’s leadership is expected to play a key role in advancing PETRONAS’ purpose-driven approach to communications, orchestrating the company’s narrative across multiple sectors without diluting its complexity, and supporting business objectives as it continues to evolve as a fully integrated energy company.

Malaysia's communications scene has witnessed a number of changes in the recent months. This follows the departure of Frank Chan as TM's GM of strategic communications, who later moved to Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) as its new director of strategic communications. Meanwhile, Regina Lee has stepped down from her role as head of group corporate communications at OSK Group after 1.5 years with the company.

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