Marking International Women's Day this month, 10 extraordinary women from a wide range of fields who have empowered, inspired and transformed change in their communities through their pursuit of excellence have been named the Bangkok Post's Women of the Year 2024.
A series of in-depth profiles of these women continues until Thursday. The profiles will detail their achievements and offer insights into their careers and contributions.
Today, we honour Wallaya Chirathivat, President & Chief Executive Officer, Central Pattana Plc, and Narumon Chivangkur, Citi Country Officer and Banking Head, Citi Thailand.
'Retail luminary icon'
Leading from the front
Wallaya Chirathivat — President & Chief Executive Officer, Central Pattana Plc
In the dynamic realm of Thai business, there exists a luminary whose name reverberates across the retail landscape -- Wallaya Chirathivat, President & Chief Executive Officer of Central Pattana Plc (CPN).
Leading one of Thailand's most influential retail and property development firms, Ms Wallaya's impact transcends mere success, she is a visionary architect of Thailand's retail future.
Her tenure at CPN has been marked by groundbreaking achievements, with her leadership steering the company towards unprecedented heights. Under her guidance, the company successfully launched multiple shopping centre projects, shaping the course of the country's retail history in the process.
Her accolades speak volumes of her leadership prowess. Recognised as one of Forbes Asia's top 20 businesswomen in 2022, Ms Wallaya has been lauded for her exceptional achievements in driving organisational success and fostering remarkable growth despite various challenges. In 2023, she clinched the prestigious "Thailand Top CEO of the Year" award in the real estate business category, a testament to her outstanding management vision and strategy.
Ms Wallaya's visionary leadership has also garnered international acclaim, with CPN receiving three major awards from the IAA Awards for Listed Companies 2022, including "Best CEO", "Best CFO", and "Best Investor Relations". These accolades underscore CPN's excellence in business and financial management, cementing its position as a global leader in the industry.
Furthermore, Ms Wallaya's commitment to sustainability has propelled CPN to new heights. With CPN listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for real estate management and development, as well as S&P Global's The Sustainability Yearbook 2024, CPN continues to set the benchmark for sustainability in the industry.
Notably, CPN is ranked No.1 globally in the real estate management and development sector in the DJSI, a testament to Ms Wallaya's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.
Ms Wallaya's journey has not just been about corporate success; it's also deeply intertwined with her family's legacy. Joining the family business empire at just 23, she embarked on a mission to revolutionise the retail landscape. Overseeing the transformation of Central Supermarket into the iconic Tops brand, she demonstrated her keen business acumen and innovative spirit.
Transitioning to the role of co-chief executive in her 30s, Ms Wallaya spearheaded the revitalisation of Robinson and the development of Central Phuket, marking significant milestones in her career. Her foray into property development at CPN in 2005 was a natural progression, combining her expertise in retail with her passion for innovation.
Ms Wallaya's crowning achievement came with the redevelopment of the World Trade Center, now CentralWorld, which received the prestigious "Best of The Best Award" from the International Council of Shopping Centers in 2010.
This accolade not only recognised design excellence but also successful sales, showcasing Ms Wallaya's multifaceted approach to retail development.
Despite Thailand's slow economic recovery, the firm remains committed to substantial investment plans for sustainable growth. Between 2023-2027, CPN plans to develop five mega mixed-use projects in various strategic locations in Bangkok, with the total investment exceeding 100 billion baht.
Central Park, part of this ambitious strategy, is poised to debut in the third quarter of 2025 and is set to redefine Bangkok's urban landscape, akin to iconic parks in New York and London.
'International banking trailblazer'
Breaking the glass ceiling
Narumon Chivangkur — Citi Country Officer and Banking Head, Citi Thailand
In the heart of Thailand's bustling financial hubs, Narumon Chivangkur stands as a beacon of visionary leadership in the realm of international banking. With an illustrious 28-year career at Citi, she embodies a blend of foresight, expertise, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As the Citi Country Officer (CCO) and Banking Head of Citi Thailand, Ms Narumon is not just a trailblazer, she's a visionary shaping international banking's future in the region.
Beyond her distinguished career in banking, Ms Narumon's journey is enriched by her multifaceted talents. In a bygone era, she graced stages as a renowned pop singer, captivating audiences with her melodious voice and magnetic stage presence. This unique blend of artistic flair and business acumen sets Ms Narumon apart, infusing her leadership with creativity and a deep appreciation for the diverse facets of human expression.
Ms Narumon's journey embodies dedication, expertise, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her ascent through the ranks -- from a management associate in 1996 to her current role as CCO and Banking Head of Citi Thailand -- reflects her profound understanding of the industry and unwavering commitment to driving growth and innovation.
After Citigroup sold its consumer banking businesses in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam to United Overseas Bank in early 2022, the company appointed Ms Narumon as the new CCO for Thailand in May 2023, the first female to hold this top post. "Under the leadership role of Citi Thailand, I want to support both local and international clients in search of new business opportunities," she said.
Ms Narumon's illustrious career is punctuated by a wealth of experience across various domains, including foreign exchange, fixed-income securities, multi-asset strategy, and structured products. Her leadership prowess is evident in her previous roles as head of corporate sales and structuring, head of derivatives and structuring, and head of global markets and securities services at Citi. But her influence extends beyond the boardroom. Ms Narumon is a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion, serving on the board of directors for the Association of International Banks and as a member of the board of governors for the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand. Her commitment to empowering women in the corporate world is unparalleled, paving the way for a new generation of leaders.
Her vision for Citi Thailand is clear -- to support both local and international clients in seizing new business opportunities and navigating the complexities of the global market. Under her leadership, Citi Thailand is not just a bank; it's a catalyst for change and a champion of global commerce. Ms Narumon's "think globally" approach harnesses the power of Citigroup's vast network spanning 95 countries, enabling the bank to respond swiftly to clients' needs and facilitate market expansion across borders.
From small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large corporations, Citi Thailand, under Ms Narumon's guidance, is dedicated to nurturing their growth and fostering long-term success in the global market. Her strategic focus on providing tailored solutions, such as efficient payment platforms capable of processing thousands of transactions per second, underscores her commitment to client satisfaction. But Ms Narumon's impact goes beyond the realm of banking.
Ms Narumon also emphasises the importance of the team, focusing on building and developing the efficiency and potential of employees, who are considered crucial assets of the organisation. This support enables bank employees to work in new ways, with fresh perspectives to adapt to the rapid changes in the business and technology world.
As Ms Narumon embarks on the next chapter of her illustrious career, she remains a beacon of inspiration for women to pursue achievements. Her dedication, visionary leadership, and commitment to excellence serve as a guiding light for future generations of leaders.
View the full women of the year 2024 list at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2755024
