Megh Pillay Confirmed as Executive Chairman of Airport Holdings Ltd

The long-anticipated leadership vacuum at Airport Holdings Ltd (AHL) has ended with the official confirmation of Megh Pillay as the group’s Executive Chairman. Government sources confirmed the appointment, which was initially approved by the Council of Ministers on September 5th but was delayed by a minor administrative “detail.”

Seasoned Veteran to Take the Helm

Mr. Pillay, in his sixties, is expected to take charge of AHL—a national strategic asset deemed vital for Mauritius’s air connectivity, tourism, and international trade—imminently.

The conglomerate controls around twenty subsidiaries, including the national carrier Air Mauritius and Airports of Mauritius.

His appointment comes as Air Mauritius is navigating a delicate phase and in urgent need of reforms.

Pillay is a familiar and prominent figure in the public sector. He previously served as CEO of Air Mauritius, successfully turning the airline around between 2003–2005 and then briefly in 2016.

He has also distinguished himself leading institutions such as the State Trading Corporation, Mauritius Telecom, and the Agricultural Marketing Board, where he championed financial discipline, structural reforms, and transparent governance.

Mandate for Stabilisation and Reform

His mandate at AHL is clear: to stabilise the group, restore confidence, and turn around Air Mauritius.

Concurrently, he must spearhead a transformation towards modern business models, including public-private partnerships and international alliances, while steadfastly safeguarding national interests.

Temporary Dual Role Utilises National Code

Mr. Pillay’s temporary dual role as both Chairman and Chief Executive is justified by the National Code of Corporate Governance, which allows for such flexibility in exceptional circumstances. This concentrated leadership structure is designed to accelerate necessary reforms.

Safeguards are in place to ensure transparency during this period, including the requirement for independent directors and specialised committees.

The government’s intention is to return to a strict separation of the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive once stability within the group is re-established.

Source: l’Express