Kuala lumpur: Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd's shares rose by half-a-sen to 6.5 sen each after trading resumed this morning at 10 am. This development comes on the heels of the announcement that the company's group chief executive officer (GCEO), Euan Smith, has stepped down after six years in the position, with the resignation effective from June 7, 2026.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the company had communicated the leadership change to Bursa Malaysia prior to the market opening. By 10.27 am, Astro's stock witnessed active trading, with 2.16 million shares changing hands. In light of Smith's departure, Astro has appointed Henry Tan as the interim GCEO, effective June 16, 2026, as the company initiates the search for a permanent successor. Tan, who is no stranger to the role, previously served as Astro's GCEO from February 2019 to January 2023.

Euan Smith, who holds 2.96 million shares, representing 0.057 per cent of Astro's total issued shares, will continue to lend his expertise as a technical advisor to the board until December 6, 2026. In addition to his current holdings, Smith also has an interest in over 48.35 million unissued ordinary shares under the company's long-term incentive plan through performance share awards.

Astro's shares last closed at six sen the previous Friday, with a market capitalisation standing at RM313.55 million.