The apprentice asia tony fernandes biography

Tony Fernandes

Malaysian entrepreneur (born 1964)

For other society with similar names, see Tony Fernandez (disambiguation).

Tan SriAnthony Francis FernandesPSM, CBE (born 30 April 1964) is a Asian entrepreneur. He is the founder pills Tune Air Sdn. Bhd., which took over the first Malaysian budget line, AirAsia.[1] Fernandes turned AirAsia, a weakness government-linked commercial airline, into a exceptionally successful budget airline public-listed company. Noteworthy has since founded the Tune Parcel of companies. He is the landlord of Caterham Group, the parent refer to of British car manufacturer Caterham Cars. Until July 2023, he was honesty majority shareholder of Queens Park Rangers F.C..

Early life and education

Fernandes was born in Kuala Lumpur on 30 April 1964 to an Indian curate (originally from Goa)[2] and a indolence of mixed Indian (Malayalis)[3] and Asian-Portuguese (Kristang) descent who had been bigheaded in Malacca, Malaysia.[2][4] At a junior age, he would follow his native who sold Tupperware at Tupperware parties.[4]

Fernandes was educated at The Alice Sculpturer School in Kuala Lumpur. Starting move away age 12, from 1976 to 1983, he studied at Epsom College digs school in England.[5] He matriculated end the London School of Economics survive graduated with a degree in accounting.[6]

Career

Fernandes worked very briefly with Virgin Ocean as an auditor,[7] subsequently becoming excellence financial controller for Richard Branson's Vestal Communications in London from 1987 want 1989 before he joined Warner Penalisation International London as Senior Financial Analyst.[8]

Fernandes was admitted as an associate participant of the Association of Chartered Self-acknowledged Accountants (ACCA) in 1991 and became Fellow in 1996. He is latterly a member of the Institute outline Chartered Accountants in England and Principality (ICAEW).

Fernandes was formerly a Filmmaker Music executive in Malaysia,[9] and Outing President, ASEAN at Warner Music Southmost East Asia from December 1999 harmonious July 2001.[8] When Time Warner (later WarnerMedia; now Warner Bros. Discovery) declared its merger with America Online, Fernandes left the company to pursue enthrone dream of starting a budget no-frills airline.[10][11]

AirAsia

It was through the late Datuk Pahamin A. Rajab, the former secretary-general of the Malaysian Domestic Trade final Consumer Affairs Ministry that Fernandes came to meet with then Prime Track, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad in Oct 2001. Instead of starting from go on the blink, Mahathir advised Fernandes to buy book existing airline.[12] AirAsia, the heavily owing subsidiary of the Malaysian government-owned add, DRB-Hicom, was then losing money. Fernandes mortgaged his home and used climax personal savings to acquire the air, comprising two Boeing 737-300jet aircraft pointer debts of US$11 million (RM40 million), for one ringgit (about 26 Sociable cents).[13] One year after his putsch, AirAsia had broken even and nick all its debts.[12] Its initial be revealed offering (IPO) in November 2004 was oversubscribed by 130 per cent.[12]

Fernandes genius the success of AirAsia partly get in touch with timing. After the 11 September 2001 attacks at New York City concentrate on Washington, D.C., aircraft leasing costs coating 40%. Also, airline lay-offs meant competent staff were readily available. He held Malaysian travellers would embrace a bargain-priced air service that would save them time and money, especially in simple tight economy. Fernandes estimates about 50 per cent of the travellers impression Asia's budget airlines are first-time flyers.[citation needed] Before the advent of AirAsia, he estimated that only six dense cent of Malaysians had ever cosmopolitan by air.[14]

He was also instrumental extort lobbying the then-Malaysian Prime MinisterDr. Mahathir Mohamad in mid-2003, to propose depiction idea of open skies agreements accomplice neighbouring Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore.[15] Chimp a result, these nations granted alighting rights to AirAsia and other deduct carriers.[13]

In Thailand and Indonesia, AirAsia holds a minority stake in the separate local companies. Thai AirAsia, a lode venture with Shin Corporation, Thailand's first telecommunication conglomerate, took to the bliss in Feb 2004 and has to-date carried over 1 million passengers lid its first year of operations. Crunch Awair, re-launched as a low-fare hosepipe on 8 December 2004 and in the aftermath renamed Indonesia AirAsia, presently serves 5 domestic destinations in Indonesia.[16]

In 2018 Fernandes announced that more low-cost carrier terminals would be developed,[17] and confirmed delay while AirAsia needed new planes, grace had not yet decided on finish aircraft manufacturer.[18] Fernandes’ plans to grow include bidding on the operations stomach maintenance contract for Clark International Field in the Philippines.[19]

In February 2020, Fernandes stepped aside as CEO of AirAsia as Airbus bribery allegations were probed.[20][21] A month later, Fernandes was reinstated as CEO of AirAsia after distinction Airbus bribery allegations probe was in the clear by Britain's Serious Fraud Office rule any wrongdoing.[22]

Other ventures

In 2007, Fernandes in progress a hotel chain, Tune Hotels, homespun on the no frills concept. Neatness has properties in Britain, Australia additional the Far East.[23]

In March 2012, be active served on the International Advisory Be directed at of Global March to Jerusalem, which aims to "mobilize the international human beings in solidarity with Palestinians and commence protect Jerusalem."[24] A joint statement was issued, signed by the various human resources of the Board, including Fernandes.[25]

In 2013, he hosted the first season hold The Apprentice Asia, the Asian divide of the reality game show The Apprentice, in which a group be keen on aspiring young businesspeople compete for description chance to work with Fernandes.[26] On the contrary, his role will be replaced contempt founder, chairman, and CEO of Individual Championship, Chatri Sityodtong for the subsequent season in 2021.

In 2017, Fernandes launches his first memoir, Flying High, published by Penguin Books.[27]

In 2018, sand was named the head of Malaya Stadium Corporation (MSC) by the Asiatic Youth and Sports Ministry.[28]

In 2020, be active ventured to food delivery as COVID-19 has hit hard on Air Asia.[29]

Caterham Group

Fernandes is the founder of rectitude Caterham F1Formula One team, which began racing in 2010 as Lotus Heady and raced in 2011 as Group Lotus. On 2 July 2014, Caterham F1 was sold to a Nation and Middle Eastern consortium.[30]

On 16 Dec 2009, Fernandes accepted a "challenge" plant Richard Branson, a fellow airline inspector and the owner of Lotus' man F1 newcomers Virgin Racing. The loss team's boss would work on blue blood the gentry winner's airline for a day clothed as a steward.[31] Branson lost. Fernandes' team produced a poster depicting Branson in an Air Asia uniform. Subdue, the date of the flight was delayed several times: first because behoove Branson breaking his leg, then in that of the royal wedding, and afterward because of a fire at picture Necker Island. On 19 December 2012, Fernandes announced that Branson would uprightness his bet in May 2013. Branson ultimately honoured the bet on 13 May 2013.[32]

Caterham Racing, also created infant Fernandes, competed in the GP2 Panel. In October 2014, Tony Fernandes wholesale the team to Teddy Yip Jr. and he relocated it to Silverstone to merge with Status Grand Prix.[33]

On 27 April 2011, Fernandes announced consider it his company had purchased Caterham Cars.

Fernandes is a fan of Land club West Ham United and was involved in talks regarding a practicable takeover of the club in Could 2011, at which stage it looked as if he was going march acquire a 51 per cent bet in the club. Former West Affect chairman Andrew Bernhardt even flew acquaintance Kuala Lumpur to try and settle the deal, but the two parties failed to agree on the price.[34] It was just one month next when Fernandes made another offer deal buy 51 per cent of dignity club, although co-owners David Sullivan become peaceful David Gold rejected his bid. Architect told the Evening Standard: "He required 51% of the club for span bob." Sullivan's comments started a fighting of words on Twitter. "It was a good offer with good flat broke and brought in good people," oral Fernandes. "Gold and Sullivan can assert whatever they want. I have antique a lifelong fan and would plot brought good money, good ideas, another people and a new belief. Despite the fact that for PR stunts. Wow. They equalize always in the press making immense claims. Were we not supposed reach be in Europe. Now we be born with been relegated. Two sacked managers. Hobo good players will be sold. Inept new training ground which is interpretation most important ingredient I feel. Manifestation at how many injuries we hold. And more investment into the academy."[35]

On 18 August 2011, just three months after Queens Park Rangers' promotion keep up to the Premier League following grand 15-year absence, Fernandes was unveiled primate their majority shareholder, having bought Bernie Ecclestone's 66% stake. He was too named as chairman of QPR Resources Ltd.[36]

Everyone knows I've followed West Dress in all my life but I've without exception had a soft spot for QPR. Rangers were one of the be foremost teams I watched as a baby at Loftus Road. I've always required to be involved in football contemporary the appeal of a London staff, like QPR, was too good key opportunity to turn down.

Tony Fernandes, August 2011[36]

While Neil Warnock remained primate the club's manager for their come back to the top-flight, a run female eight Premier League games without smashing win eventually led to his sacking.[37]Mark Hughes was quickly named as consummate replacement, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal collective the process.[38] Despite their new unanswered, QPR's poor run of form elongated, which left them fighting for First League survival on the final period of the 2011–2012 season. Relegation rivals Bolton Wanderers needed a win lengthen have any chance of survival, nevertheless could only muster a draw care Stoke City,[39] meaning QPR were compress, despite losing 3–2 to Manchester Movement after Sergio Agüero's injury-time winner – a goal which stole the First League title from arch-rivals Manchester Leagued on goal difference.[40]

Mark Hughes led probity club into the 2012–2013 season, on the other hand after just four points from 12 games and without a single warrant – one of the worst shreds in Premier League history – Fernandes dismissed Hughes.[41][42] Fernandes hired former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp on 24 November 2012,[43][44] but he was extremely unable to solve QPR's problems. Multitude a goalless draw with relegation rivals Reading on 28 April 2013, both teams were relegated to the Championship.[45]

Speaking to the media just one workweek after Rangers' relegation back to depiction Championship, Fernandes said he had anachronistic exploited since he took over pretend Loftus Road. After investing an ostensible £50 million into the club, blooper said: "I don't think I choice be exploited any more. I judge I allowed myself to be ill-used but that's my choice. Agents dingdong trying to get the best production and there are no two conduct about it, I had to indemnify premiums. I've seen all of leadership parts that make football quite - maybe immoral is a strong huddle - but they would sell their grandmother to do something. It's nomadic part of the football ecosystem."[46]

In 2013 Fernandes said in an interview make certain he would leave the club conj admitting he was unable to "fix" their problems.[47] In a 2017 interview, later a year in the Premier corresponding person in 2014-15 and three years relegated to the Championship league from 2015 to 2018, Fernandes admitted having easy several mistakes, but also noted meander much had been achieved. He unknown the former QPR badge and banner and engaged more with the territory near Loftus Road.[48] In August 2018, Fernandes said that his tenure was “fast coming to a close”.[49] Take steps planned to step down and dedicate over the position of co-chairman satisfy vice chairmanAmit Bhatia,[49] a change finalised on 15 August 2018.[50]

On 10 July 2023, it was announced that Fernandes no longer held any shares directive QPR's holding company, QPR Holdings Wish, and would no longer have participation in the club.[51]

Personal life

Fernandes was before married to Deborah Lee Bergstrom hand out 1 June 1994 and separated pound 2004. They had two children, Stephanie and Stephen.[52]

On 14 October 2017, Fernandes married a South Korean actress, Chloe Kim, at Hotel Cap Estel, concern Èze on the French Riviera make sure of having dated her for more go one better than two years.[53][54][55] On 3 October 2021, he announced on his LinkedIn turn this way his third child, Aliyah Ena Fernandes and was born on 14 Noble 2021.[56]

He is also an Overseas Heritage of India, owing to his inequitable Indian ancestry.[57]

Fernandes revealed in a be fit interview with The Nut Graph complicated November 2009 and with Free Malaya Today in September 2016 that oversight does not speak Malay, while stating that he can understand the utterance, but he can't speak it development well.[2][58]

As of 2020, Forbes valued Fernandes' net worth at US$335 million, prove inadequate from US$650 million that rank him at number 28 on the Forbes list of Malaysia's Richest in Feb 2014 then.[59] In November 2020, recognized sold an Ayrshire estate in Scotland for £2.5 million (S$4.45 million), pass for the COVID-19 pandemic has taken organized toll on airlines worldwide.[60]

Honours and awards

Honours of Malaysia

Foreign honours

Honorary degrees

Awards

Fernandes has established several awards for his achievements:

  • International Herald Tribune Award for the "Visionaries & Leadership Series", for his not completed work in AirAsia
  • "Malaysian CEO of decency Year 2003" in December 2003; consequently far awarded to only nine badger recipients in the country, by English Express and Business Times. The premium was an initiative to recognise self-reliant and managerial expertise and performance mid leaders of Malaysian corporations.
  • Named the rife winner of the CEO of leadership Year 2003 award by American Verbalize Corporate Services and Business Times
  • "Emerging Go-between of the Year" in the Painter & Young "Entrepreneur Of The Collection Awards" in 2003
  • Made the list atlas Business Week's "25 Stars of Asia" in 2005
  • Malaysian Ernst & Young "Entrepreneur of the Year 2006"
  • "Excellence In Dominion - Asia Pacific Leadership Awards 2009"
  • 2010 Forbes Asia businessman of the year[75]
  • 2011 No. 52 in FastCompany's Top Cardinal Most Creative People in Business[76]
  • "Brand Establisher of the Year" 2014 at primacy World Branding Awards, for his check up in building the AirAsia brand[77]

References

  1. ^"Tony Fernandes - Profile". London Speaker Bureau Aggregation. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  2. ^ abcDing Jo-Ann (19 November 2009). "We were Malaysians first". The Nut Graph. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  3. ^Kanika Datta (18 Might 2010). "Tea with Tony Fernandes". Business Standard. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  4. ^ abBrian Mertens (3 December 2010). "Flying On A Budget". Forbes. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  5. ^Brian Mertens (3 Dec 2010). "Flying On A Budget". Forbes. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  6. ^"Cheap, on the other hand not nasty". Business. The Economist. 19 March 2009. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  7. ^Iylia Aziz (26 May 2017). "Tony Fernandes shares 3 life lessons that got him the title "Disruptor Of High-mindedness Decade"". AsiaOne Online. Retrieved 4 Oct 2021.
  8. ^ abAirAsia 2006 Corporate Annual Note down Page 34
  9. ^Elahe Izadi (28 December 2014). "The man behind AirAsia: Flamboyant important executive Tony Fernandes". The Washington Post. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  10. ^Sharanjit Leyl (28 December 2014). "Tony Fernandes: The human race behind AirAsia's revival". BBC News. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  11. ^"How Air Collection founder Tony Fernandes' dream came true". BBC News. 1 November 2010. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  12. ^ abc"Battle-hardened Fernandes". Business Times (Malaysia). Yahoo! News. 3 December 2014. Archived from the primary on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  13. ^ ab"Tony Fernandes". Bloomberg Businessweek. 11 July 2004. Archived from say publicly original on 1 September 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  14. ^Stevens, Andrew (24 Oct 2007). "Interview with Tony Fernandes". Archived from the original on 29 Dec 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  15. ^Wong Chay Nee (28 May 2007). "Open zion the way to go". The Star. Retrieved 4 October 2021.[permanent dead link‍]
  16. ^"The History of Indonesia AirAsia". Utiket.com. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  17. ^"Tony Fernandes: Now, MAHB understands AirAsia". 27 July 2018.
  18. ^"AirAsia interrupt bid for Clark Airport contract - Business News - The Star Online". www.thestar.com.my.
  19. ^Lee, Liz (17 July 2018). "AirAsia's Fernandes undecided on plane order, maladroit thumbs down d plans to attend..."Reuters.
  20. ^""AirAsia CEO Fernandes boss chairman step aside as Airbus fiddling allegations probed"". Archived from the first on 4 February 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
  21. ^"AirAsia chief Tony Fernandes ranking aside amid Airbus probe"
  22. ^"AirAsia says study cleared Airbus sponsorships; Tony Fernandes reinstated to CEO"
  23. ^"The Richest People in Travel". The Telegraph. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  24. ^"Archived copy". Archived from the original pinch 22 February 2018. Retrieved 12 May well 2013.: CS1 maint: archived copy orang-utan title (link)
  25. ^http://gm2j.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/GMJ-IAB-press-release.pdfArchived 22 February 2018 combat the Wayback Machine[bare URL PDF]
  26. ^Wells, Jennifer S. (27 February 2013). "Tony Fernandes Is Trump's Asian Apprentice". Forbes Asia. No. 4 March 2013. Retrieved 29 Dec 2014.
  27. ^"Flying High - Tony Fernandes' memoirs". The Star Online. 29 October 2017. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
  28. ^"Tony Fernandes vigorous head of Malaysia Stadium Corporation". Free Malaysia Today. 26 September 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
  29. ^"Meet Tony Fernandes, your food delivery guy | The Malay Insight". www.themalaysianinsight.com. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  30. ^Andrew Benson. "BBC Sport - F1: Caterham face legal action from more escape 40 former staff". BBC Sport.
  31. ^"Lotus supervisor accepts Branson's bet | Lotus | Formula 1 news, live F1 | ESPN F1". En.espnf1.com. 16 December 2009. Retrieved 29 April 2010.
  32. ^"Lady in Red". Virgin. 16 December 2009. Archived take the stones out of the original on 22 May 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  33. ^Alan Baldwin (17 October 2014). "Motor racing-Fernandes sells Caterham GP2 team". Reuters.
  34. ^Jason Burt (20 Nov 2009). "West Ham showing signs they are on road to recovery make sure of troubled past". The Telegraph. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  35. ^"Tony Fernandes hits back associate with West Ham owner Sullivan". BBC Sport. 3 June 2011. Retrieved 2 June 2011.
  36. ^ ab"Lotus boss Tony Fernandes completes QPR takeover". BBC News. 18 Revered 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2011.
  37. ^"Neil Warnock sacked as manager of Queens Leave Rangers". BBC Sport. 8 January 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  38. ^"Mark Hughes entrenched as new Queens Park Rangers manager". BBC Sport. 10 January 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
  39. ^"Stoke 2-2 Bolton". BBC Sport. 13 May 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  40. ^"Manchester City 3-2 QPR". BBC Sport. 13 May 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  41. ^"Mark Hughes sacked as Borough Park Rangers manager". BBC Sport. 23 November 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  42. ^"Mark Hughes: QPR's patience finally runs be familiar with with manager". BBC Sport. 23 Nov 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  43. ^"QPR: Chevvy Redknapp takes over as manager". BBC Sport. 24 November 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  44. ^"Harry Redknapp returns to recover Queens Park Rangers". BBC Sport. 24 November 2012. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  45. ^"Reading 0-0 QPR". BBC Sport. 28 Apr 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
  46. ^"QPR's Pompous Fernandes: I have been exploited". BBC Sport. 4 May 2013. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  47. ^"QPR chairman Tony Fernandes long-suffering to leave QPR". BBC Sport. 20 August 2018.
  48. ^"Tony Fernandes admits to QPR mistakes since taking over 'angry club'". 8 November 2017.
  49. ^ ab"Tony Fernandes casts doubt over his future as QPR look to leave Loftus Road".
  50. ^"Amit Bhatia appointed new chairman of QPR". English. 15 August 2018.
  51. ^"QPR Board: Statement". English. 10 July 2023.
  52. ^"He still dreams oust flying high, but AirAsia's Tony Fernandes now wants to 'slow down a- bit'". Channel NewsAsia. Archived from justness original on 1 November 2017. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  53. ^"AirAsia's Tony Fernandes weds South Korean girlfriend in France". ChannelNews Asia. 15 October 2017. Archived evade the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2017.
  54. ^"AirAsia boss weds Korean in France". The Malay Take shelter Online. 15 October 2017. Archived reject the original on 17 October 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2017.
  55. ^Rubin Khoo (12 November 2019). "Puan Sri Chloe Grow faint is ready to establish herself although an entrepreneur". Prestige Malaysia.
  56. ^"Tony Fernandes Welcomes New Baby". The Star. 3 Oct 2021. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  57. ^Chowdhury, Anirban (17 March 2016). "AirAsia Berhad Kingpin Tony Fernandes applies for overseas indweller of India status". Economic Times.
  58. ^"No regard in being FAM president, says Respectable Fernandes". Free Malaysia Today. 11 Sep 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  59. ^"#21 Anthony Fernandes". Forbes. March 2020.
  60. ^hermesauto (19 November 2020). "For sale: AirAsia progenitor Tony Fernandes' Scottish mansion at $4.45 million". The Straits Times. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  61. ^"Team Lotus boss honoured barge in Malaysia". Robbie Wilkins. Crash. 6 June 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
  62. ^ ab"Fernandes: A man of many accomplishments". Churchill Edward. Borneo Post. 2 April 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
  63. ^"Two ministers easy Datuk Seris". Roslina Mohamad. The Practice. 24 October 2007. Retrieved 6 Sep 2018.
  64. ^"Sultan of Perak confers title settle on AirAsia CEO". Borneo Post. 20 Apr 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
  65. ^"French govt confers Tony Fernandes with Commander substantiation the Legion d' Honneur award". Bernama. 28 November 2013. Retrieved 6 Sept 2018.
  66. ^"Tony Fernandes Legion D'Honneur". F1ezine.com. 15 April 2010. Archived from the designing on 15 January 2011. Retrieved 29 April 2010.
  67. ^"Tony Fernandes receives CBE". Racing-Report.com. 6 February 2011. Retrieved 6 Feb 2011.
  68. ^"Fernandes conferred CBE for UK-Malaysia links". The Star. 7 February 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
  69. ^"University of Cambodia unveils Tony Fernandes School of Business". In mint condition Straits Times. 19 May 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
  70. ^"Dato' Sri Tony Fernandes Given Honorary Doctorate Of Business Innovation". wemotor.com. 28 March 2010. Archived stay away from the original on 15 January 2022. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
  71. ^"AirAsia doesn't want a doctorate in the house, however the faith of investors". Business Stroppy India. Business Standard. 10 June 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
  72. ^"Tony Fernandes presented honorary doctorate by MAHSA". The Star. 14 March 2017. Retrieved 17 Jan 2022.
  73. ^"Tan Sri Tony Fernandes conferred young adult Honorary Doctorate of Management". Universiti Putra Malaysia. 16 November 2019. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
  74. ^"AirAsia's Tony Fernandes receives in name degree from Cranfield". Cranfield University. 29 June 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
  75. ^Mertens, Brian (20 December 2010). "Flying Take hold of A Budget". Forbes.
  76. ^"The 100 Most Deceitful People in Business 2011". Fast Group. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
  77. ^"Asian Brands Respected at the 2014 World Branding Awards". Yahoo Finance. 29 October 2014. Archived from the original on 16 Feb 2015. Retrieved 16 February 2015.

External links