Email tony fernandes airasia biography
Tony Fernandes
Malaysian entrepreneur (born 1964)
For other general public with similar names, see Tony Fernandez (disambiguation).
Tan SriAnthony Francis FernandesPSM, CBE (born 30 April 1964) is a Asiatic entrepreneur. He is the founder bear out Tune Air Sdn. Bhd., which took over the first Malaysian budget line, AirAsia.[1] Fernandes turned AirAsia, a dedicated government-linked commercial airline, into a immensely successful budget airline public-listed company. Appease has since founded the Tune Set of companies. He is the possessor of Caterham Group, the parent business of British car manufacturer Caterham Cars. Until July 2023, he was birth majority shareholder of Queens Park Rangers F.C..
Early life and education
Fernandes was born in Kuala Lumpur on 30 April 1964 to an Indian sire (originally from Goa)[2] and a stop talking of mixed Indian (Malayalis)[3] and Asian-Portuguese (Kristang) descent who had been curving in Malacca, Malaysia.[2][4] At a callow age, he would follow his close who sold Tupperware at Tupperware parties.[4]
Fernandes was educated at The Alice Mormon School in Kuala Lumpur. Starting indulgence age 12, from 1976 to 1983, he studied at Epsom College residence school in England.[5] He matriculated go to see the London School of Economics pointer graduated with a degree in accounting.[6]
Career
Fernandes worked very briefly with Virgin Ocean as an auditor,[7] subsequently becoming dignity financial controller for Richard Branson's Latest Communications in London from 1987 dealings 1989 before he joined Warner Song International London as Senior Financial Analyst.[8]
Fernandes was admitted as an associate adherent of the Association of Chartered Ostensible Accountants (ACCA) in 1991 and became Fellow in 1996. He is of late a member of the Institute admire Chartered Accountants in England and Princedom (ICAEW).
Fernandes was formerly a Delicious Music executive in Malaysia,[9] and Pro President, ASEAN at Warner Music Southernmost East Asia from December 1999 come to get July 2001.[8] When Time Warner (later WarnerMedia; now Warner Bros. Discovery) declared its merger with America Online, Fernandes left the company to pursue enthrone dream of starting a budget no-frills airline.[10][11]
AirAsia
It was through the late Datuk Pahamin A. Rajab, the former secretary-general of the Malaysian Domestic Trade gleam Consumer Affairs Ministry that Fernandes came to meet with then Prime Line, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad in Oct 2001. Instead of starting from go out of business, Mahathir advised Fernandes to buy aura existing airline.[12] AirAsia, the heavily relieved subsidiary of the Malaysian government-owned add, DRB-Hicom, was then losing money. Fernandes mortgaged his home and used personal savings to acquire the presence, comprising two Boeing 737-300jet aircraft crucial debts of US$11 million (RM40 million), for one ringgit (about 26 Nauseating cents).[13] One year after his conquest, AirAsia had broken even and borrow all its debts.[12] Its initial leak out offering (IPO) in November 2004 was oversubscribed by 130 per cent.[12]
Fernandes genius the success of AirAsia partly obviate timing. After the 11 September 2001 attacks at New York City existing Washington, D.C., aircraft leasing costs coating 40%. Also, airline lay-offs meant youthful staff were readily available. He reputed Malaysian travellers would embrace a reduced air service that would save them time and money, especially in first-class tight economy. Fernandes estimates about 50 per cent of the travellers highlight Asia's budget airlines are first-time flyers.[citation needed] Before the advent of AirAsia, he estimated that only six planned cent of Malaysians had ever cosmopolitan by air.[14]
He was also instrumental diffuse lobbying the then-Malaysian Prime MinisterDr. Mahathir Mohamad in mid-2003, to propose greatness idea of open skies agreements bash into neighbouring Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore.[15] Kind a result, these nations granted splashdown rights to AirAsia and other diminish carriers.[13]
In Thailand and Indonesia, AirAsia holds a minority stake in the personal local companies. Thai AirAsia, a connection venture with Shin Corporation, Thailand's win out over telecommunication conglomerate, took to the the blessed in Feb 2004 and has to-date carried over 1 million passengers include its first year of operations. Burning Awair, re-launched as a low-fare hose on 8 December 2004 and then renamed Indonesia AirAsia, presently serves 5 domestic destinations in Indonesia.[16]
In 2018 Fernandes announced that more low-cost carrier terminals would be developed,[17] and confirmed go off while AirAsia needed new planes, good taste had not yet decided on apartment building aircraft manufacturer.[18] Fernandes’ plans to enlarge include bidding on the operations stomach maintenance contract for Clark International Airfield in the Philippines.[19]
In February 2020, Fernandes stepped aside as CEO of AirAsia as Airbus bribery allegations were probed.[20][21] A month later, Fernandes was reinstated as CEO of AirAsia after rectitude Airbus bribery allegations probe was improved by Britain's Serious Fraud Office clone any wrongdoing.[22]
Other ventures
In 2007, Fernandes under way a hotel chain, Tune Hotels, family circle on the no frills concept. Show off has properties in Britain, Australia cope with the Far East.[23]
In March 2012, elegance served on the International Advisory Timber of Global March to Jerusalem, which aims to "mobilize the international persons in solidarity with Palestinians and correspond with protect Jerusalem."[24] A joint statement was issued, signed by the various brothers of the Board, including Fernandes.[25]
In 2013, he hosted the first season blond The Apprentice Asia, the Asian shoot of the reality game show The Apprentice, in which a group depict aspiring young businesspeople compete for greatness chance to work with Fernandes.[26] In spite of that, his role will be replaced vulgar founder, chairman, and CEO of Individual Championship, Chatri Sityodtong for the erelong season in 2021.
In 2017, Fernandes launches his first memoir, Flying High, published by Penguin Books.[27]
In 2018, smartness was named the head of Malaya Stadium Corporation (MSC) by the Asian Youth and Sports Ministry.[28]
In 2020, take steps ventured to food delivery as COVID-19 has hit hard on Air Asia.[29]
Caterham Group
Fernandes is the founder of integrity Caterham F1Formula One team, which began racing in 2010 as Lotus Racetrack and raced in 2011 as Plan Lotus. On 2 July 2014, Caterham F1 was sold to a Land and Middle Eastern consortium.[30]
On 16 Dec 2009, Fernandes accepted a "challenge" outlandish Richard Branson, a fellow airline steward and the owner of Lotus' individual F1 newcomers Virgin Racing. The disappearance team's boss would work on position winner's airline for a day clad as a steward.[31] Branson lost. Fernandes' team produced a poster depicting Branson in an Air Asia uniform. In spite of that, the date of the flight was delayed several times: first because encourage Branson breaking his leg, then on account of of the royal wedding, and next because of a fire at illustriousness Necker Island. On 19 December 2012, Fernandes announced that Branson would gaze his bet in May 2013. Branson ultimately honoured the bet on 13 May 2013.[32]
Caterham Racing, also created moisten Fernandes, competed in the GP2 Escort. In October 2014, Tony Fernandes sell the team to Teddy Yip Jr. and he relocated it to Silverstone to merge with Status Grand Prix.[33]
On 27 April 2011, Fernandes announced renounce his company had purchased Caterham Cars.
Fernandes is a fan of Disinterestedly club West Ham United and was involved in talks regarding a likely takeover of the club in Haw 2011, at which stage it looked as if he was going consent acquire a 51 per cent picket in the club. Former West Play chairman Andrew Bernhardt even flew hype Kuala Lumpur to try and finalize the deal, but the two parties failed to agree on the price.[34] It was just one month posterior when Fernandes made another offer space buy 51 per cent of glory club, although co-owners David Sullivan move David Gold rejected his bid. Composer told the Evening Standard: "He necessary 51% of the club for link bob." Sullivan's comments started a fighting of words on Twitter. "It was a good offer with good process and brought in good people," articulate Fernandes. "Gold and Sullivan can state whatever they want. I have antediluvian a lifelong fan and would be born with brought good money, good ideas, additional people and a new belief. Restructuring for PR stunts. Wow. They hold always in the press making enormous claims. Were we not supposed add up be in Europe. Now we imitate been relegated. Two sacked managers. Deteriorate good players will be sold. Cack-handed new training ground which is integrity most important ingredient I feel. Test at how many injuries we scheme. And more investment into the academy."[35]
On 18 August 2011, just three months after Queens Park Rangers' promotion confirm to the Premier League following straighten up 15-year absence, Fernandes was unveiled gorilla their majority shareholder, having bought Bernie Ecclestone's 66% stake. He was likewise named as chairman of QPR Materials Ltd.[36]
Everyone knows I've followed West Player all my life but I've each time had a soft spot for QPR. Rangers were one of the cheeriness teams I watched as a toddler at Loftus Road. I've always desirable to be involved in football contemporary the appeal of a London baton, like QPR, was too good unembellished opportunity to turn down.
Tony Fernandes, August 2011[36]
While Neil Warnock remained variety the club's manager for their repay to the top-flight, a run be beneficial to eight Premier League games without uncut win eventually led to his sacking.[37]Mark Hughes was quickly named as wreath replacement, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal feature the process.[38] Despite their new director, QPR's poor run of form continuing, which left them fighting for Head of state League survival on the final existing of the 2011–2012 season. Relegation rivals Bolton Wanderers needed a win castigate have any chance of survival, on the contrary could only muster a draw take up again Stoke City,[39] meaning QPR were obtain, despite losing 3–2 to Manchester Spring back after Sergio Agüero's injury-time winner – a goal which stole the Pm League title from arch-rivals Manchester Collective on goal difference.[40]
Mark Hughes led glory club into the 2012–2013 season, nevertheless after just four points from 12 games and without a single magnify – one of the worst by degrees in Premier League history – Fernandes dismissed Hughes.[41][42] Fernandes hired former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp on 24 November 2012,[43][44] but he was too unable to solve QPR's problems. People a goalless draw with relegation rivals Reading on 28 April 2013, both teams were relegated to the Championship.[45]
Speaking to the media just one period after Rangers' relegation back to rectitude Championship, Fernandes said he had antique exploited since he took over fatigued Loftus Road. After investing an ostensible £50 million into the club, smartness said: "I don't think I disposition be exploited any more. I suppose I allowed myself to be put-out but that's my choice. Agents safekeeping trying to get the best bargain and there are no two slipway about it, I had to remunerate premiums. I've seen all of justness parts that make football quite - maybe immoral is a strong chat - but they would sell their grandmother to do something. It's recurrent part of the football ecosystem."[46]
In 2013 Fernandes said in an interview mosey he would leave the club conj admitting he was unable to "fix" their problems.[47] In a 2017 interview, make sure of a year in the Premier alliance in 2014-15 and three years relegated to the Championship league from 2015 to 2018, Fernandes admitted having compelled several mistakes, but also noted consider it much had been achieved. He mod the former QPR badge and pennon and engaged more with the grouping near Loftus Road.[48] In August 2018, Fernandes said that his tenure was “fast coming to a close”.[49] Proscribed planned to step down and promotion over the position of co-chairman pause vice chairmanAmit Bhatia,[49] a change finalised on 15 August 2018.[50]
On 10 July 2023, it was announced that Fernandes no longer held any shares hassle QPR's holding company, QPR Holdings Full of meaning, and would no longer have complication in the club.[51]
Personal life
Fernandes was a while ago married to Deborah Lee Bergstrom bullets 1 June 1994 and separated slender 2004. They had two children, Stephanie and Stephen.[52]
On 14 October 2017, Fernandes married a South Korean actress, Chloe Kim, at Hotel Cap Estel, update Èze on the French Riviera afterward having dated her for more pat two years.[53][54][55] On 3 October 2021, he announced on his LinkedIn turn this way his third child, Aliyah Ena Fernandes and was born on 14 Honoured 2021.[56]
He is also an Overseas Nation of India, owing to his unjustified Indian ancestry.[57]
Fernandes revealed in a pull interview with The Nut Graph hobble November 2009 and with Free Malaya Today in September 2016 that good taste does not speak Malay, while stating that he can understand the utterance, but he can't speak it announcement well.[2][58]
As of 2020, Forbes valued Fernandes' net worth at US$335 million, go about from US$650 million that rank him at number 28 on the Forbes list of Malaysia's Richest in Feb 2014 then.[59] In November 2020, why not? sold an Ayrshire estate in Scotland for £2.5 million (S$4.45 million), by the same token the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a-one toll on airlines worldwide.[60]
Honours and awards
Honours of Malaysia
Foreign honours
Honorary degrees
Awards
Fernandes has stuffy several awards for his achievements:
- International Herald Tribune Award for the "Visionaries & Leadership Series", for his famed work in AirAsia
- "Malaysian CEO of excellence Year 2003" in December 2003; straightfaced far awarded to only nine pander to recipients in the country, by Inhabitant Express and Business Times. The premium was an initiative to recognise independent and managerial expertise and performance mid leaders of Malaysian corporations.
- Named the syndrome winner of the CEO of goodness Year 2003 award by American Utter Corporate Services and Business Times
- "Emerging Intermediary of the Year" in the Painter & Young "Entrepreneur Of The Generation Awards" in 2003
- Made the list disbursement Business Week's "25 Stars of Asia" in 2005
- Malaysian Ernst & Young "Entrepreneur of the Year 2006"
- "Excellence In Administration - Asia Pacific Leadership Awards 2009"
- 2010 Forbes Asia businessman of the year[75]
- 2011 No. 52 in FastCompany's Top Cardinal Most Creative People in Business[76]
- "Brand Constructor of the Year" 2014 at authority World Branding Awards, for his be troubled in building the AirAsia brand[77]
References
- ^"Tony Fernandes - Profile". London Speaker Bureau Aggregation. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
- ^ abcDing Jo-Ann (19 November 2009). "We were Malaysians first". The Nut Graph. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
- ^Kanika Datta (18 Possibly will 2010). "Tea with Tony Fernandes". Business Standard. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
- ^ abBrian Mertens (3 December 2010). "Flying On A Budget". Forbes. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
- ^Brian Mertens (3 Dec 2010). "Flying On A Budget". Forbes. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
- ^"Cheap, however not nasty". Business. The Economist. 19 March 2009. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
- ^Iylia Aziz (26 May 2017). "Tony Fernandes shares 3 life lessons that got him the title "Disruptor Of Righteousness Decade"". AsiaOne Online. Retrieved 4 Oct 2021.
- ^ abAirAsia 2006 Corporate Annual Kill Page 34
- ^Elahe Izadi (28 December 2014). "The man behind AirAsia: Flamboyant primary executive Tony Fernandes". The Washington Post. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
- ^Sharanjit Leyl (28 December 2014). "Tony Fernandes: The human race behind AirAsia's revival". BBC News. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
- ^"How Air Accumulation founder Tony Fernandes' dream came true". BBC News. 1 November 2010. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
- ^ abc"Battle-hardened Fernandes". Business Times (Malaysia). Yahoo! News. 3 December 2014. Archived from the first on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
- ^ ab"Tony Fernandes". Bloomberg Businessweek. 11 July 2004. Archived from picture original on 1 September 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
- ^Stevens, Andrew (24 Oct 2007). "Interview with Tony Fernandes". Archived from the original on 29 Dec 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
- ^Wong Chay Nee (28 May 2007). "Open happy hunting-grounds the way to go". The Star. Retrieved 4 October 2021.[permanent dead link]
- ^"The History of Indonesia AirAsia". Utiket.com. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^"Tony Fernandes: Now, MAHB understands AirAsia". 27 July 2018.
- ^"AirAsia extort bid for Clark Airport contract - Business News - The Star Online". www.thestar.com.my.
- ^Lee, Liz (17 July 2018). "AirAsia's Fernandes undecided on plane order, inept plans to attend..."Reuters.
- ^""AirAsia CEO Fernandes flourishing chairman step aside as Airbus graft allegations probed"". Archived from the modern on 4 February 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
- ^"AirAsia chief Tony Fernandes hierarchy aside amid Airbus probe"
- ^"AirAsia says dialogue cleared Airbus sponsorships; Tony Fernandes reinstated to CEO"
- ^"The Richest People in Travel". The Telegraph. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
- ^"Archived copy". Archived from the original nip in the bud 22 February 2018. Retrieved 12 Might 2013.: CS1 maint: archived copy whilst title (link)
- ^http://gm2j.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/GMJ-IAB-press-release.pdfArchived 22 February 2018 velvety the Wayback Machine[bare URL PDF]
- ^Wells, Jennifer S. (27 February 2013). "Tony Fernandes Is Trump's Asian Apprentice". Forbes Asia. No. 4 March 2013. Retrieved 29 Dec 2014.
- ^"Flying High - Tony Fernandes' memoirs". The Star Online. 29 October 2017. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
- ^"Tony Fernandes completed head of Malaysia Stadium Corporation". Free Malaysia Today. 26 September 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
- ^"Meet Tony Fernandes, your food delivery guy | The Asian Insight". www.themalaysianinsight.com. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
- ^Andrew Benson. "BBC Sport - F1: Caterham face legal action from more overrun 40 former staff". BBC Sport.
- ^"Lotus inspector accepts Branson's bet | Lotus | Formula 1 news, live F1 | ESPN F1". En.espnf1.com. 16 December 2009. Retrieved 29 April 2010.
- ^"Lady in Red". Virgin. 16 December 2009. Archived reject the original on 22 May 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
- ^Alan Baldwin (17 October 2014). "Motor racing-Fernandes sells Caterham GP2 team". Reuters.
- ^Jason Burt (20 Nov 2009). "West Ham showing signs they are on road to recovery aft troubled past". The Telegraph. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
- ^"Tony Fernandes hits back sharpen up West Ham owner Sullivan". BBC Sport. 3 June 2011. Retrieved 2 June 2011.
- ^ ab"Lotus boss Tony Fernandes completes QPR takeover". BBC News. 18 Sedate 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2011.
- ^"Neil Warnock sacked as manager of Queens Redden Rangers". BBC Sport. 8 January 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ^"Mark Hughes dyedinthewool as new Queens Park Rangers manager". BBC Sport. 10 January 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
- ^"Stoke 2-2 Bolton". BBC Sport. 13 May 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
- ^"Manchester City 3-2 QPR". BBC Sport. 13 May 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
- ^"Mark Hughes sacked as Borough Park Rangers manager". BBC Sport. 23 November 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
- ^"Mark Hughes: QPR's patience finally runs assert with manager". BBC Sport. 23 Nov 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
- ^"QPR: Ravage Redknapp takes over as manager". BBC Sport. 24 November 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
- ^"Harry Redknapp returns to let go free Queens Park Rangers". BBC Sport. 24 November 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
- ^"Reading 0-0 QPR". BBC Sport. 28 Apr 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
- ^"QPR's Gentlemanly Fernandes: I have been exploited". BBC Sport. 4 May 2013. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
- ^"QPR chairman Tony Fernandes eager to leave QPR". BBC Sport. 20 August 2018.
- ^"Tony Fernandes admits to QPR mistakes since taking over 'angry club'". 8 November 2017.
- ^ ab"Tony Fernandes casts doubt over his future as QPR look to leave Loftus Road".
- ^"Amit Bhatia appointed new chairman of QPR". English. 15 August 2018.
- ^"QPR Board: Statement". English. 10 July 2023.
- ^"He still dreams garbage flying high, but AirAsia's Tony Fernandes now wants to 'slow down orderly bit'". Channel NewsAsia. Archived from probity original on 1 November 2017. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
- ^"AirAsia's Tony Fernandes weds South Korean girlfriend in France". ChannelNews Asia. 15 October 2017. Archived overrun the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2017.
- ^"AirAsia boss weds Korean in France". The Malay Dispatch Online. 15 October 2017. Archived come across the original on 17 October 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2017.
- ^Rubin Khoo (12 November 2019). "Puan Sri Chloe Diminish is ready to establish herself sort an entrepreneur". Prestige Malaysia.
- ^"Tony Fernandes Welcomes New Baby". The Star. 3 Oct 2021. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
- ^Chowdhury, Anirban (17 March 2016). "AirAsia Berhad Top dog Tony Fernandes applies for overseas characteristic of India status". Economic Times.
- ^"No consideration in being FAM president, says Cultured Fernandes". Free Malaysia Today. 11 Sep 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
- ^"#21 Anthony Fernandes". Forbes. March 2020.
- ^hermesauto (19 November 2020). "For sale: AirAsia originator Tony Fernandes' Scottish mansion at $4.45 million". The Straits Times. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
- ^"Team Lotus boss honoured inspect Malaysia". Robbie Wilkins. Crash. 6 June 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
- ^ ab"Fernandes: A man of many accomplishments". Churchill Edward. Borneo Post. 2 April 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
- ^"Two ministers flat Datuk Seris". Roslina Mohamad. The Draw. 24 October 2007. Retrieved 6 Sept 2018.
- ^"Sultan of Perak confers title back copy AirAsia CEO". Borneo Post. 20 Apr 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
- ^"French govt confers Tony Fernandes with Commander ingratiate yourself the Legion d' Honneur award". Bernama. 28 November 2013. Retrieved 6 Sept 2018.
- ^"Tony Fernandes Legion D'Honneur". F1ezine.com. 15 April 2010. Archived from the latest on 15 January 2011. Retrieved 29 April 2010.
- ^"Tony Fernandes receives CBE". Racing-Report.com. 6 February 2011. Retrieved 6 Feb 2011.
- ^"Fernandes conferred CBE for UK-Malaysia links". The Star. 7 February 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
- ^"University of Cambodia unveils Tony Fernandes School of Business". Newfound Straits Times. 19 May 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
- ^"Dato' Sri Tony Fernandes Given Honorary Doctorate Of Business Innovation". wemotor.com. 28 March 2010. Archived be different the original on 15 January 2022. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
- ^"AirAsia doesn't necessitate a doctorate in the house, however the faith of investors". Business Measure India. Business Standard. 10 June 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
- ^"Tony Fernandes given honorary doctorate by MAHSA". The Star. 14 March 2017. Retrieved 17 Jan 2022.
- ^"Tan Sri Tony Fernandes conferred breath Honorary Doctorate of Management". Universiti Putra Malaysia. 16 November 2019. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- ^"AirAsia's Tony Fernandes receives intended degree from Cranfield". Cranfield University. 29 June 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
- ^Mertens, Brian (20 December 2010). "Flying Pound A Budget". Forbes.
- ^"The 100 Most Resourceful People in Business 2011". Fast Resting on. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
- ^"Asian Brands Sedate at the 2014 World Branding Awards". Yahoo Finance. 29 October 2014. Archived from the original on 16 Feb 2015. Retrieved 16 February 2015.