Hands-On Business Builder and Innovator

In July 2007, at the age of 36, Azran was appointed as the founding CEO of AirAsia X, the world's pioneer low-cost long-haul airline. He led the start-up team that developed the business plan, raised capital, secured relevant licenses, and launched AirAsia X's first flight in November 2007.

AirAsia X has since expanded from one aircraft to 26, employing over 2,500 staff, and approximately US$1 billion in annual revenue in 2014. In July 2013, AirAsia X became a public-listed company, the first ever long-haul LCC airline to do so.

Azran led the development of AirAsia X's business model that broke many long-haul airline conventions and pioneered various innovations including the 2013-2014 Skytrax World's Best Low-Cost Airline Business Class flatbed seats, Quiet Zone, Fly-Thru connections, Seat assignments and upgrade options, and In-flight entertainment services. It operates the world's lowest airline unit cost and the world's highest aircraft utilization, while maintaining industry leading engineering reliability and on-time performance. AirAsia X was awarded the Centre of Asia Pacific Aviation's Best New Airline in 2008 and shared the Airline of the Year 2009 award with AirAsia Berhad.

Prior to his appointment, Azran was formerly the Senior Director of Business Development for Astro All Asia Networks plc, where he led the start-up and business building of Astro's media, creative content, and technology investments and joint ventures across Southeast Asia, India and Greater China.

Azran was formerly an Associate Partner of McKinsey & Company, with its Asia Pacific Corporate Finance & Strategy Practice, and with the management consulting firm of Booz Allen & Hamilton.

He currently Chairs the Advisory Board for the Asia Business Centre, Curtin Business School in Australia. He holds Board positions with PT XL Axiata in Indonesia, and Apex Investment Services in Malaysia. He also advises start-ups and high-growth businesses through Endeavor Malaysia, Kairos Society, and the Cyberview Living Lab Accelerator programme.

He holds a Masters degree in Management Science & Engineering and a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, both from Stanford University. He is a Fellow of CPA Australia.

He is 43 years young, and an Ironman triathlete.