Tony Fernandes, the CEO of AirAsia Group, tied the knot with his Korean partner, Chloe, in France on October 14, 2017.
The ceremony took place at Cap Estel, a luxurious hotel on the French Riviera, and was attended by close family and friends, totaling 150 guests. The wedding is known for its exclusivity and intimacy.
Notable attendees included Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, AirAsia’s chairman, and Tune Group’s CEO, along with Datuk Seri Nazir Razak, chairman of CIMB Group, and Tan Sri Rafizah Aziz, former international trade and industry minister, as reported by The New Straits Times.
Tony Fernandes was previously married to Deborah Lee Bergstrom and has two children from his previous marriage.
Meet Tony Fernandes Children, Kids, Grandchildren
Tony Fernandes has two children, Stephanie and Aliyah Ena Fernandes. Stephanie’s entrepreneurial skills were celebrated by Tony in a LinkedIn post, where he compared her to her grandmother.
Aliyah Ena Fernandes, Tony Fernandes’ third child, was born on August 14, 2021.
Get to Know Tony Fernandes: Biography
Early Life and Education
Tony Fernandes, born on 30 April 1964 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is a notable Malaysian entrepreneur. He pursued his education at Epsom College and the Alice Smith School before graduating from the London School of Economics with a degree in accounting.
Career Beginnings
Fernandes began his career briefly with Virgin Atlantic as an auditor and later worked with Richard Branson’s Virgin Communications in London. His financial acumen led him to become a Warner Music executive in Malaysia.
AirAsia: Transforming a Failing Airline
In October 2001, Fernandes, advised by then-Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, acquired the struggling AirAsia, mortgaging his home for one ringgit. Within a year, he turned it into a profitable venture, with an oversubscribed IPO in 2004.
Strategic Moves
Fernandes played a pivotal role in lobbying for open skies agreements with neighboring countries, expanding AirAsia’s reach. The airline’s success was attributed to favorable market conditions post-9/11, lower leasing costs, and the availability of experienced staff.
Ongoing Ventures
In 2018, Fernandes announced plans for more low-cost carrier terminals and expansion into new territories. Despite temporary setbacks in 2020 due to Airbus bribery allegations, he later resumed his role as CEO.
Diversification into Other Ventures
Apart from aviation, Fernandes ventured into various sectors. In 2007, he established Tune Hotels, a no-frills hotel chain, and in 2013, he hosted the first season of The Apprentice Asia.
His diverse ventures include Caterham Group, a Formula One team, and involvement in the food delivery sector in response to the COVID-19 impact.
Football Enthusiast and QPR Chairman
Fernandes, a fan of West Ham United, became the majority shareholder of Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in 2011. Despite challenges and team relegation, he played a significant role in the club’s management.
Legacy and Transition
After investing substantially and overseeing various ventures, Fernandes stepped down as QPR’s co-chairman in August 2018. In July 2023, he officially severed ties with QPR Holdings Limited, concluding his chapter with the football club.
In Conclusion
Tony Fernandes’s journey from transforming AirAsia to diverse business ventures and football club ownership showcases his dynamic entrepreneurial spirit.
His legacy extends beyond business successes, leaving an indelible mark on the industries he ventured into.
Source: whoiswriter.com
