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Resignation of AHL and its subsidiaries: Kishore Beegoo questions the appointment of Megh Pillay

Resignation of AHL and its subsidiaries: Kishore Beegoo questions the appointment of Megh Pillay

Kishore Beegoo raises concerns about a conflict of interest regarding the appointment of Megh Pillay as Executive Chairman and the governance of the group.

Kishore Beegoo submitted his resignation as director of Airport Holdings Ltd (AHL) and all its subsidiaries, citing serious governance issues related to the appointment of the new Executive Chairman, now held by Megh Pillay. In his letter dated November 26, 2025, he reminded the Board of Directors that during the meeting on November 7, he had warned them about the designation of a person involved in ongoing financial litigation against Air Mauritius Ltd, a subsidiary of AHL. "In the Board of 07 Nov 25, I had indicated that the Board of Directors should be careful in awarding a contract as Executive Chairman to a person who has initiated legal proceedings against one of its subsidiaries i.e Air Mauritius Ltd for the sum of approx. Rs 38 million," he wrote.

He believes this appointment creates a conflict of interest that could damage the group's reputation. "It is not conducive to have an Executive Chairman who is engaged in legal disputes with any part of our organization," he warns. He adds that this could "undermine the trust and confidence of our stakeholders and employees."

Kishore Beegoo also mentioned that he requested a salary review downwards, suggesting a reduction of about 45% of the proposed package: "I had also insisted that the amount in salary and perks requested by the said person be reduced by approx. 45% to around Rs 810 000 per month."

Five points that could attract the attention of the FCC

Kishore Beegoo lists five points that he believes could lead the directors to have to answer to the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) if the situation is not addressed:

  1. Fiduciary responsibility of directors. "Directors have the ultimate responsibility to act in the best interests of the company and its shareholders."

  2. Obligation to report political interference. Directors must officially report any instructions that could create a conflict "so that no one can claim ignorance" and obtain a "firm written instruction" covering their liability.

  3. Financial situation of Air Mauritius. Air Mauritius would be "technically an insolvent company having a massive negative equity" and would not be able to settle a potential judgment of "exactly Rs 39,301,123" while facing "enormous" legal fees.

  4. Inconsistency in managing public resources. The company "cannot on one side be asking for funds from the Govt or other Public Listed Companies and be seen to be overgenerous with its own politically appointed management."

  5. Operational conflict of interest at the legal level. It would be "extremely difficult" for Air Mauritius' legal service to defend the company against their direct supervisor, knowing that "their future in the company" could depend on him.

In a personal note, he recalls that as a former Chairman of Air Mauritius Ltd, he refused any settlement despite pressures: "I had given instructions to the legal team... to ‘fight’ the case in court – a consequence of which was intense political manoeuvres & strong pressure which subsequently led to my resignation on 05 October 25."

The Board was scheduled to meet on November 27, but the meeting was postponed. He states he does not wish to remain on the Board as long as the identified issues persist. "I have decided to resign as Director of AHL Ltd and all its subsidiaries," he wrote, citing namely: Mauritius Duty Free Paradise Co. Ltd, Mauritius Estate Development Corp, Rodrigues Duty Free Paradise Ltd, and Pointe Coton Resort Ltd.

Kishore Beegoo specifies that he has never received any remuneration for his roles: "I have NOT asked for, nor received any remuneration, and my contribution was done on a Free of Charge basis." He concludes with a call to politically appointed leaders in public positions: "Let politically appointed individuals reduce their excessive salary demands and follow the example I have set."

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