KUALA LUMPUR, Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd has announced the passing on of its chairman, Tan Sri Ahmad Mohd Don, 77. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, the bank said that Ahmad, a former governor of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), had been the bank's chairman since Feb 1, 2017. Alliance Bank's group chief executive officer (CEO), Kelle Kam said Ahmad made a tremendous impact on the bank, bringing about positive changes to build a strong banking group in Malaysia. 'We are greatly saddened by his passing. He was a very well-known and well-respected figure in the community and the banking and finance industry. 'Our board members and management team were inspired by his leadership, and Alliance Bank was privileged to have him at the helm as we embarked on a solid growth path. 'In continuing his great work and legacy, the board of directors has effected the necessary plans for succession. The bank will make further announcements on our board leadership when appropriate," said Kam. Ahmad began his career as an accountant for the Malaysian government in 1972 before moving to the private sector, where he worked in various capacities before joining Permodalan Nasional Bhd, being involved in the planning and launching of the National Share Trust Scheme in 1981. He joined Malayan Banking Bhd in 1982 and subsequently served as its group managing director and chief executive director from 1991 to 1994 before rejoining the government as the BNM governor from May 1994 to August 1998.