Capitaland has again lost a top executive – Chief Corporate Officer Tham Kui Seng, a treasured deputy of the president and CEO Liew Mun Leong.
Capitaland said Mr Tham’s reason for leaving is “to pursue personal interest”. Mr Tham is known to have been planning his resignation from Capitaland for quite some time already. And even earlier this year, he had his six-month sabbatical.
Mr. Tham is known to be well trusted by Mr. Liew, as being one of his “inner kitchen cabinet” or his inner circle.
In a statement made by Mr Liew, he said, “Kui Seng has been a great deputy to me. He is one of my ablest senior staff and has contributed enormously to the success of the company. However, he has indicated to me his intention to retire early from the company a few years ago to pursue his personal interest.”
“I have reluctantly agreed this time to let him have his way as it will be unfair to persuade him to stay longer especially since we have been able to handle his work fairly well while he was away on six months sabbatical leave recently.”
Mr Tham earned $3 million as total compensation last year, making him one of the four top-paid executives in the group.
Just last September, Pua Seck, the CEO of Capitaland Relief and chief executive of CapitalMall Trust Management Ltd, also left the group. CapitalMall lost over $300 million the day after his resignation.
Chief investment officer Kee Teck Koon is still part of the group, hence, leaving Mr. Liew someone to count on.