This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on January 12, 2016.

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Dr Abd Wahab Maskan, 65, has ceased to be the chief operating officer (COO) of Sime Darby Bhd, with effect from Dec 31, 2015, due to his health and medical condition.

According to the group’s bourse filing yesterday, Abd Wahab also  vacated his managing director post in Sime Darby’s property division, Sime Darby Property Bhd, on Dec 31.

“The board of Sime Darby extends its deep appreciation to Tan Sri Abd Wahab for his invaluable contributions and services to the Sime Darby Group, and wishes him the very best in his future undertakings,” said the group in the filing.

Abd Wahab had been the COO of Sime Darby since June 24, 2008, and has been the managing director of Sime Darby Property since June 1, 2011.

Abd Wahab was instrumental in steering Sime Darby in the Malaysian-led consortium to redevelop Battersea Power Station, one of the best-known landmarks in London.

Prior to his time with Sime Darby, Abd Wahab was the former group chief executive of Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd and Golden Hope Plantations Bhd.

He has also held various management and board positions in companies in various sectors in Malaysia, Europe and Asia, covering plantation, property, construction, manufacturing and services.

Sime Darby shares closed eight sen or 1.07% lower yesterday at RM7.42, with a market capitalisation of RM46.95 billion.