AS Watson Group, which owns Superdrug, Savers and The Perfume Shop in the UK, has appointed Malina Ngai as the new group chief executive, starting May 1.

Malina Ngai, CEO AS Watson

Malina Ngai has spearheaded the group’s digital transformation

Ngai joined CK Hutchison, the parent company of AS Watson, in 2000. She has held various leadership roles including AS Watson group chief operating officer since 2013 and chief executive of AS Watson, Asia & Europe since 2019.

She will take over the role of group chief executive from Dominic Lai who will become chair. Ngai will be in charge of “defining our vision” as the group continues its “growth journey of its global portfolio”.

Dominic Lai, group managing director, AS Watson, said: “After a very fulfilling 17 years of leading the AS Watson Group, I think it is the appropriate time to pass on the baton. Malina has been crucial in successfully driving AS Watson’s digital transformation, implementing the O+O (Offline plus Online) business model, and fostering positive cultural change in the past decade.

“Malina has worked at CK Hutchison and AS Watson for 24 years. Her career path started in corporate communications and later expanded to international management positions in international buying, technology development, sales operations, marketing, big data, and sustainability.

“She demonstrated strong adaptability, strategic agility, and the ability to drive tremendous momentum across the entire organisation. Her significant achievements have continued to propel our organisation forward. Malina is perfectly prepared for this role.”

Future Leaders 2024

Future Leaders 2024: Meet UK retail’s 30 CEOs in waiting

Who are tomorrow’s CEOs and what can you learn from them? Access your free Future Leaders 2024 report today to get to know them.  

You will also discover: 

  • Which three retailers are top breeding grounds for future talent – and why? 
  • The skills and capabilities needed from the modern chief executive
  • Retail’s most common career routes to the top