Why I'm Running for the Board

Intention to contribute to the wider business community. Having lived in Bangkok since 2018 focusing on growing the local Mastercard business, I am keen to explore how I might be able to serve the broader business community in Thailand. AMCHAM has been able to effectively support its member companies, through its Board of Governors and working committees working closely with members of the government, Board of Trade and other leading Chambers in the Foreign Chambers Alliance. Therefore I am keen to be a more active part of the AMCHAM and to further enable the business community in Thailand on various issues on industry matters.

Relevant expertise and experience. Since joining Mastercard, I have had direct experience in working with ASEAN countries including Thailand on the use of interoperable global standards to promote open, sustainable business practices with the US and also with the rest of the world. Where possible, I would be keen to continue to leverage this experience and expertise to promote the development of commerce between the US and Thailand.

Empowering women. I am invested in enabling women in the business community and this is also in line with Mastercard’s global focus on driving more financial inclusiveness globally. In the latest Mastercard Global Index on Women Entrepreneurship, Thailand ranked in the top 20 countries for women entrepreneurs, based on publicly available data from the International Labor Organization, UNESCO and the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.

If I am successfully nominated to the Board, I will focus on enabling women to make further business inroads and to grow higher female participation at senior levels within the workforce.

Biography

Aileen is a technology enthusiast, with almost two decades of experience in product, financial products, and go-to-market strategies. She holds a Bachelor of Accountancy from the Nanyang Technological University Singapore and is the mother of three spirited boys.

Since joining Mastercard in 2016, Aileen has been actively advocating the cashless movement in Asia Pacific. She spearheaded the development and launch of Mastercard QR based payments solution, which led to the creation and proliferation of EMV standardized QR payments in the region, while simultaneously working with regulators, and leading players in financial services and the digital space.

Aileen has been the Country Manager of Thailand and Myanmar for Mastercard since 2019. Here, she has championed the need and expansion of cashless payments and has been dedicated to accelerating the country’s digital payments landscape to support the government’s vision of creating an inclusive cashless society.

Aileen’s personal and professional diverse experience in Asia has given her firsthand insights into the need for a digitized interconnected world to ensure everyone, including SMEs, entrepreneurs, and women, is included and can gain equal access to opportunities to grow and excel. In her efforts to boost Thailand’s digital transformation, Mastercard has launched various initiatives to drive cashless payments and greater inclusiveness in Thailand.

Prior to joining Mastercard, Aileen worked for Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) in Singapore where she held key leadership positions in marketing, business and product development. Among her many accomplishments there, Aileen played an instrumental role in the development and implementation of new digital services including mobile payment solutions. In her career, Aileen has been instrumental in the strategic implementation of digital first technologies and forging strong partnerships with government agencies to establish a seamless and secure inclusive payments infrastructure that is accessible for all - cornerstone of Thailand’s 4.0 Agenda and Bank of Thailand’s Digital Payments Roadmap. Her experience has resulted in innovative and priceless changes in the payments landscape, in Thailand and Asia. Her industry knowledge, experience, and engagement has also helped in creating sustainable positive changes for Thailand’s technological and financial inclusion agenda, not just for consumers, but businesses of all sizes as well. By leveraging existing opportunities to create new ones, Aileen has also paved the way for women in technology and payments.

Why I'm Running for the Board

I have a strong historical perspective of AMCHAM-Thailand, its strengths and flexibilities to continue to adapt and evolve as one of the most member driven and relevant chambers in Thailand. This is due to my perspectives as an active SME with AMCHAM Thailand and other AMCHAMs in the region including the APCAC/Washington Door Knock over the last 15+ years, having served on the BOG from 2004 through 2007 as a Governor, Secretary, Vice President and liaison to the JFCCT Presidents’ Council. I have served as co-chair of the Business Economics Committee, numerous times on the nominating committee and am currently co-chairman of the Tourism & Hospitality Committee.

With a strong focus on real estate finance and de-risking in-bound investment from the U.S. and others  into Thailand, often through our close working relationship with the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), my company and team focus on two of Thailand’s most important industries –(i) hospitality/tourism and (ii) the country’s priority 10-industry clusters in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

I have had the good fortune of shared leadership roles in bringing new events and programs to AMCHAM including the annual USA Fair / Buy USA (2005-20011) to promote 2-way investment and trade, travel, and education in the USA and Thailand and the Chamber’s co-organizing leadership role for the Thailand Tourism Forum (TTF) since2011, which is the benchmark for tourism investment and business cooperation in Thailand.

Biography

A leader with broad based knowledge of on-line start-ups, real estate development and project finance in Asia, Mr. Blocker brings more than two decades of experience in capital raising, corporate finance and commercial real estate to IC Partners Limited. Established in January 2011, and based in Bangkok, Thailand, IC Partners serves as a financial advisor and investor for a couple of on-line startups as well serves as an investment and asset manager for a number of hospitality related investment joint venture investments and family offices in Southeast Asia. IC Partners works with various capital partners, venture capital funds, family offices and international hotel operators and advises investors on development planning, capital raising, deal structuring and contractual matters in the industrial and hospitality and branded residential segments.

He is also a senior member of the advisory boards at Young Happy, Thailand’s leading social media app and e-commerce business to solve the problems of the aging society seniors and Singapore based AJT Holdings Pte. Ltd. which owns the Wellity and Dr Map brands and is a wellness management platform for hospitality, senior living and standalone medical/wellness clinics in ASEAN.

His previous engagements include appointment as Chief Development Officer in 2007 for InVision Hospitality Co., Ltd. and Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Finance for Gannon International Ltd. and Managing Director of Gannon Realty (Thailand) from 1999-2007 overseeing the company's commercial real estate and industrial development projects in both Thailand and Vietnam.

Mr. Blocker earned an MBA at the Kenan‐Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina‐Chapel Hill, with honors. He currently serves as a Trustee of The Kenan Foundation Asia and is a member of the Executive Committee. Mr. Blocker served as a Governor and Vice President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand from 2004 through 2007 and is currently Co-Chairman of AMCHAM’s Tourism & Hospitality Committee.

Why I'm Running for the Board

Leadership and Experience – I have been a board member for two different not-for-profit organizations.  I understand the role and responsibilities, good governance and leadership required to join the Board of Governors.  I have been an active member of the AMCHAM Thailand community during the past three plus years that I have lived and worked in Thailand.  As a co-chairman for the Marketing and Communications Committee, I have worked with my team to deliver valuable and value added content to the membership as well as advise the AMCHAM internal communications team on continuous improvement to their role.  As Managing Director of my company, I have extensive experience in developing strategy, organizations, and managing complicated issues and opportunities.  

New Ideas - As an open minded and progressive business leader, I have a passion for identifying opportunities and issues and developing innovative solutions.  These cover a wide gamut of areas such as revenue generation, employee engagement, and cost savings.  Today’s world of digitalization, fast-paced change, and uncertainty require new solutions to new and old problems.  Leaders must be open to saying they don’t know, listening to those with new perspectives, and being willing to take risks as failure is both an opportunity to learn and demonstrates the willingness to grow.    

Values – My open minded, inclusive, engaging character and attitude allows me to represent the membership as an approachable Board Member.  Always open to listening first to hear concerns, ideas and just to connect with others is a core part of my nature, approach and leadership style.  While I work in the leadership role at a large MNC, those that know me can attest to my humility and welcoming personality.   

Biography

Born and raised in Miami, Florida in the United States, Gerald (Jerry) Margolis has spent the past 26+ years working for Philip Morris in the USA and internationally. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin (BBA 1988 and MBA 1994), he started his career at Price Waterhouse in Boston, Massachusetts working as a Certified Public Accountant in their audit and tax departments.  Since joining Philip Morris, Jerry has worked in their Sales function with roles in key accounts, Trade Marketing, and Field Sales.  He has also spent time in Brand Management and Marketing Services leading the development of digital tools including websites, mobile and adult tobacco consumer databases.   Jerry joined the Philip Morris UK business in 2013 as the Sales Director for the UK and Ireland after a year in Lausanne, Switzerland where he was Sales Director Commercial Approach for the EU Region.  He relocated to Thailand in May of 2017 to serve as the Managing Director of PM Thailand.  Jerry is currently living in Bangkok with his wife while his son and daughter, respectively attend university and work in the United States. 

Why I'm Running for the Board

I’m honored to represent AMCHAM members as a Governor, Government Affairs liaison, and Tax Committee liaison over the last 12 months. During my tenure I have focused my efforts to promote sound policy and practice to grow trade and business opportunities for our members. This will remain my primary responsibility if given the opportunity to serve you as AMCHAM Governor for another term.  I also serve a co-chair for the US ASEAN Business Council and participate on the Thailand U.S. Ambassador Business Council advancing business interests in the Kingdom.

A second passion is growing the capacity of our AMCHAM member company, leaders, and the communities we live and work.  I’m pleased to join my fellow Chevron colleagues as an active member company in leading and supporting the various council, committees, meetings, and engagements. Through these partnerships our employees are sharing their talents while growing their own professional capabilities.

Chevron is proud of its long-standing history and contribution to the growth and prosperity of the Kingdom of Thailand.  For 72 years, Chevron’s investment in the Thai energy sector has encouraged economic growth and energized the country.  Chevron’s social investment programs strengthen economic development and improve competitiveness. Chevron’s Enjoy Science program is transforming the way STEM disciplines are taught across the Kingdom.

Biography

Jeff Lehrmann is the Managing Director of Chevron’s Asia South Regional business. As managing director, he is responsible for Chevron’s upstream operations in four countries: Bangladesh, China, Myanmar and Thailand.

Jeff was previously Executive Director of Chevron’s Indonesia business. From 2010 to 2015, he served as President of Chevron Canada.

Jeff is a native of Central Texas.  He received his bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1986. He joined Chevron that same year as a Petroleum Engineer and has held numerous engineering and management positions with increasing responsibility in the US, Canada, and Indonesia.

Jeff and his wife Cindy have four children, three daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren.  Jeff and Cindy own a farm in Central Texas where they spend much of their free time raising cattle and crops.  Jeff also enjoys sporting activities, hunting, fishing, woodworking, metal work, motorcycles, and restoring muscle cars and antique farm equipment.

Why I'm Running for the Board

• I have been a long time member of AMCHAM for almost 10 years and have been serving as a Committee co-chair for the past 4 years.
• I have also been a frequent contributor to AMCHAM’s TAB magazine as well as a frequent presenter at seminars and participate in events on a regular basis.
• I have good relationships with several of the current and past BOG members as well as staff and administrative members.

Biography

I have over 20 years of experience in the Asia-Pacific region, specializing in cross-border corporate and personal investment and tax planning with a particular focus on US, Thailand and Japanese investments. I typically advise international businesses, high net worth individuals, trustees, insurers and other financial institutions with a significant focus on Thai and US investors. I have acted on behalf of several financial industry associations and provided their members with advice related to US regulations and compliance.

I have served as the co-Head of AMCHAM’s Tax Committee for the past 4 years and often present at AMCHAM seminars and actively participate in other AMCHAM events. I am a licensed California attorney and has been a licensed USCPA (Hawaii) for more than 20 years. I am also a frequent lecturer at several universities in Bangkok, a speaker at seminars globally, and train company directors in Thailand as a facilitator for the Thai Institute of Company Directors.

Why I'm Running for the Board

I am the Co-Founder and Managing Director of BASIS International School Bangkok and can bring this perspective to the Board and AMCHAM community. Education and skill development is one of the key opportunities for Thailand in decades ahead and more work must be done to  ensure the workforce is prepared to new industries.

I worked previously at a large American multi-national company and am now an entrepreneur and business leader in Thailand for over 10 years. I have experience interfacing within the Thai business environment with foreigners and Thais, in both English and Thai. I am happy to share my experience with the broader AMCHAM community.

I have thought considerably about this and spoken with several existing Governors prior to submitting my Nomination. I have observed AMCHAM over the past 10 years and am pleased with the direction and improvements that the Governors and Executive Director have brought to the organization. I hope to continue the positive momentum and support the member companies.

Biography

Jonathan B. Schwimmer is Executive Director of S.T. Thammaporn Co., Ltd., the development company within the Thongsima Family of Companies. In this capacity, he leads subsidiary companies including as a Co-Founder and Managing Director of BASIS International School Bangkok, O2 Fitness, Soleil Services, as a board advisor to Nakornthon Hospital, and manages the Community Development activities for Central Rama 2.

Jonathan has been a Thai resident since 2009 when he Co-Founded the Development Company and began development activities. The overarching strategy incorporated “Community Development” as a centralized theme focusing on gathering elements of community to build Central Rama 2 as a vibrant and active community. Since then, S.T. Thammaporn has constructed serviced apartments, conference and commercial space at Park Village Rama 2; built markets; developed the O2 Fitness brand; opened several smaller service-oriented businesses; and most recently opened BASIS International School Bangkok. Through this he has developed strong competencies in design, engineering and master planning.

Prior to his current role, Jonathan was Finance Manager, Licensing & Acquisitions for Ethicon Endo-Surgery, a division of Johnson & Johnson. In this capacity he was a member of the Management team at Ethicon Endo-Surgery, a division of Johnson & Johnson, and the finance lead for developing new business cases and executing mergers and acquisitions, including the acquisition of SurgRx®.

Jonathan is a graduate of the Johnson & Johnson Financial Leadership Development program and received his B.S. in Finance and a B.A. in Economics Cum Laude from the University of Florida.

Why I'm Running for the Board

High Level of Energy and Commitment. I am passionate about the continual development of the communities in which I live and work, demonstrated most recently through my active role within Ambassador’s Business Council of Advisors, and through my involvement in the development of AmCham Women. Previously I have worked as an active member of the ANZ Leadership Forum, serving on the Medical Innovation Committee, as well as speaking for AmCham NZ with US Trade delegations during the Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations. I also served actively on the Boards of Industry Associations in both NZ and Singapore, regularly meeting with Government Ministers to discuss important policy initiatives that impacted industry.

Diversity of Experience SME to MNC. I grew up working in my families business and spent two years working for a small distributor in Singapore, this experience enables me to understand and represent the different needs of both SME and MNC’s.

Deep Expertise in the Health Care Industry. Twenty years’ experience in the Health Care industry,  including Regional Leadership roles with responsibility for Asia Pacific as well as local roles in Australia, Singapore, New Zealand and Thailand (including Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam).

Biography

Nadia holds the position of Managing Director Thailand for Johnson & Johnson Companies, which includes the Pharmaceutical, Medical device, Consumer Retail and Vision Care businesses. Nadia joined Johnson & Johnson in 2016 as the General Manager for the Medical Device Division in New Zealand, and in 2018 took on a new role as VP Asia-Pacific for the Cardiovascular and Specialty Solutions Group.

Before joining Johnson & Johnson Nadia had a career in the pharmaceutical industry. Nadia joined Merck Sharp & Dohme Australia in 2002, before broadening her focus to the Asia-Pacific Region.  Nadia has held the position of Regional Franchise Lead Asia Pacific for the Oncology Franchise at Pfizer, Vaccine Franchise at Novartis and Pain Franchise at Merck Sharp & Dohme. Nadia has also held a range of commercial roles in Australia and Singapore, including Country Manager and Business Unit Director. Prior to her career in the pharmaceutical industry Nadia worked at Hewlett Packard Australia, after graduating with a double degree in Business Marketing and Arts from Monash University in Australia.

Nadia has made significant contributions to industry, having held the position of Board Member and Vice President for the Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industry and as Board Member and Chair of the Market Access Group for the Medical Technology Association of New Zealand (MTANZ). Nadia has had a long-standing relationship with AmCham across Singapore, NZ and now Thailand, most recently as a member of the US Ambassador’s Business Council of Advisors. Nadia has a special interest in compliance, speaking on Risk Management and Governance in International Markets and previously sitting on the Compliance Committee of MTANZ.

Why I'm Running for the Board

As a Thai living and working in Thailand and having served more than 3 AMCHAM member companies, I am familiar with the longstanding 2 centuries of bilateral US-Thai relationships and have ongoing and permanent interests in furthering successful partnerships of the two countries on all fronts. I believe I can further utilize the bilingualism, cultural cues and current professional tenure that straddles two cultures to the best benefits of member companies and the Thai economy, ranging from government relationship building, advocacy, and sustainable commercial developments that will form a stronger bond between the two nations.

Healthcare continues to be an industry that has received immeasurable focus, especially in face of the recent COVID19 pandemic, and there remains many facets of this industry that could be further developed for the benefits of US-Thai partnerships. Baxter Healthcare made a significant investment in 2015 in setting up a pharmaceutical product manufacturing facility within the EEC, and has been operating since 2016 employing an almost exclusive Thai workforce, manufacturing products with a very high proportion of local content. I believe this aspect of Baxter’s operations in Thailand will have shared learnings with member companies on several fronts, ranging from FDI and investments, technology, employment and people development, all of which are very strong testimony of what shape stronger US-Thai partnerships can take over the longer term.

Coming to the Board nominations as part of a new generation of leaders with a broad and diverse interest in all issues relating to US-Thai relations, I am motivated to do things differently and am keen to be immersed in activities of the Chamber to help promote and share success stories where US Companies operating in Thailand have contributed outside of commercial accomplishments, including but not limited to impressive CSR activities that are organized consistently by member companies. Being part of the new generation of leaders, I hope to be able to bring new ways of governance to the Board that can help pivot how activities are run, not least supporting the movement of hybridizing traditional face-to-face with virtual events, and thereby achieving an optimal balance of professional, advocacy, social, and network building events.

Biography

A fluent English and Thai speaker, Nara began his career in academia in the UK and transitioned into Management Consulting and M&A focusing on healthcare transactions and eventually returned to Asia to join the pharmaceutical and medical device industries for the past 12 years, where he has had experience across multiple commercial, corporate affairs and government affairs functions across more than 10 markets.

As a recently returning member to AMCHAM after joining Baxter Healthcare as its Country Head approximately 12 months ago, his current role is to manage both people and P&L responsibilities of Baxter’s operations in Thailand. Combining his former academia background with his commercial responsibilities, he has a special passion for people and learning and development with particular interests in the evolution of people trends and the inevitable cultural barriers that exist as companies transcend geographical borders in our globalized economics. He has recently been involved as one of the panelists in AMCHAM’s Human Capital Reports to share his perspectives on a range of people topics resonating in industry and Thailand.

Nara is a Registered Chartered Director through the Institute of Directors, serves as a Board Member of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers’ Association, and is a member of the US-ASEAN Business Council.

As an active supporter of community activities, Nara sponsors type 1 diabetes children and children from disadvantaged background through two charities.

Why I'm Running for the Board

Experience: I have worked in Thailand for 27 years. Both in SMEs and MNCs with responsibility from 4 to over 1,300 people. I have started and sold my own businesses in Thailand and understand the business processes and systems here.

Understanding: I understand the needs of industry  members; both SME and MNCs’, having had firsthand experience. I’d like to promote more opportunities for our members to learn from each other, visit plants and share best practices.

Thailand: In my own company, I have promoted Thailand as an excellent opportunity for both our own and our vendors' relocations to the kingdom bringing in over $100M of manufacturing in the last two years. Thailand/US Commerce is at the heart of the Chamber’s objectives. I will continue to promote this and help the membership achieve these aims.

Biography

Noah is the Global Value Stream Director for Stanley Black & Decker Inc., a Fortune 250 company, the worldwide leader in tools and storage through its brands Stanley, Black& Decker, DeWalt, Irwin, Craftsman and Facom. He is currently responsible for leading the company’s hand tools global manufacturing strategy in the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Noah joined Stanley Black & Decker in 2012 as General Manager for the underperforming Thailand hand tools factory. He received an Eagle Award (40 winners from 50k global employees) for the Thailand plant turnaround. The Thailand plant is now the ‘most engaged facility worldwide’. More recently, he led the company's SE Asia manufacturing footprint and has responsibility for relocating manufacturing from China to Thailand. He is an internal mentor within the company and is an executive coach for the company’s leadership team.

After working in industry in the UK, Noah moved to Thailand in 1993 and joined an upcoming but struggling ecotourism operator in Phuket as their General Manager. SeaCanoe Thailand became a regional, multi award winning tour operator with operations in Phuket, Krabi, Vietnam and the Philippines. In 1999, he started a tourism consultancy business, developing destination travel websites for Mekong tourism authorities and online hotel and tour bookings. This business was acquired by a dot com investor.

Noah continued his career in industry as Regional MD for RPT Asia in Rayong. He invested in and started a Bangkok based PVC window manufacturing business in 2004 and opened a regional sales office for a German Multinational Hardware manufacturer in 2008.

Noah served as a director of the British Chamber of Commerce 2005-6 and was Chair of the BCCT Manufacturing Committee.  He is currently Co-Chair of AmCham Trade and Investment Committee.

In 2019, he became a Thai citizen. In his spare time, he enjoys running with the Hash House Harriers, cycling, kayaking and SCUBA diving. He also offers pro-bono executive coaching to NGOs.

Why I'm Running for the Board

International Experience and Perspectives. In over 29 years of international business experience I have worked across different countries, cultures and economies. Throughout my banking career, I have worked with numerous stakeholders: governments, central banks, large and small corporates, financial institutions, export credit agencies, micro finance institutions, law firms and many others. I have presented in numerous panels on international conferences as well, discussing key economic issues and introduction of best practices in EM space in the financial industry. I am keen to put my knowledge and experience to use in the service of fostering AMCHAMs key objectives in Thailand.

As the Country Officer of Citi, the largest US bank in Thailand, and one of the largest banks globally, I can leverage my know-how and that of my company to positively contribute to quality dialogue on the AMCHAM Board, representing AMCHAM externally, especially when it comes to matters related to financial sector developments and regulation, digitization of the economy, fighting against cyber-threats, capital markets developments, etc. In doing do, I can contribute to AMCHAM’s advocacy agenda to make Thailand even more competitive and business friendly. Lastly, I am keen to contribute to the dialogue focused on getting the Thai economy up and running during and post the COVID-19 economic stress.

AMCHAM experience. I just completed my first term as a Board Member of AMCHAM Thailand. I am the Board Liaison for the Business and Economic Committee. While in my previous posting in Romania, I was a member of the AMCHAM Board where I served two years as Treasurer. I enjoyed immensely the engagement, camaraderie and sense of common purpose, but also gained valuable practical AMCHAM Board experience in a different region that can now be utilized to benefit AMCHAM Thailand.

Biography

Tibor Pandi is the Country Head and Citi Country Officer of Citi Thailand. He also oversees Citi’s business activity in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

Prior to this assignment, Tibor held the positions of Country Head of Citi Romania, Cluster Head of Romania and Bulgaria as well as Corporate Banking Head for CE5 countries (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria), plus 13 non-presence countries in CEE.

Tibor’s career with Citi started in 2001 when he joined Citi Hungary as Relationship Manager for the Non Presence Countries (NPC) region covering Corporate, FI and Public Sector client segments in 12 countries. He became Central Europe NPC Head in October 2004.

Prior to joining Citi, he worked in a number of functions with ABN AMRO Bank in Hungary and the Netherlands. Tibor has over 25 years of experience in corporate and retail banking and holds a degree from the Budapest Corvinus University.

Since his appointment to the role of CCO of Citi Thailand and during his engagement as a Board Member of AMCHAM in Thailand and as a Vice Chairman of the Association of International Banks of Thailand, Tibor has been very active and vocal in promoting the interests of American and Thai business community in frequent dialogue with the Government, Central Bank, Ministry of Finance, embassies, other chambers and all key stakeholders. He leads the bank’s ESG initiatives and CSR activities promoting positive contribution to the society.

Why I'm Running for the Board

Global work experience over the past 25 years, including over 10 years living in Asia (in Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok) as well as Latin America. I have significant experience in developing commerce between the U.S. and international markets across multiple industries. Recognized for collaborating effectively across boundaries, I persuade and influence others in an open and transparent manner without direct reliance on authority.

I’m interested in taking on a larger role and making a bigger contribution to AMCHAM Thailand. This is our second time to live in Bangkok, and my family and I have also made a long-term commitment to stay in Thailand. Previous AMCHAM Thailand leadership experience includes Co-Chairperson for Food & Agri-business committee in 2005-2006, and I have participated in AMCHAMs in China and Mexico.

Currently wearing multiple hats as COO of Minor Education - an Education, Hospitality, and BOI startup. I can bring a unique perspective to AMCHAM Thailand in each of these areas and beyond. I’m known for my agility in driving results in different geographies, cultures, and industries - from building the Haagen-Dazs café/product business in Asia to leading international universities on multiple continents. I’m interested in sharing my expertise and contributing to the wider AMCHAM community.

Biography

• Minor International (2019-current) – Launched Minor Education in 2019 with a focus on education development in Thailand and across Southeast Asia. Initial focus has been on the founding and launch of a new university, AIHM in academic association with Les Roches, with campuses in Bangkok and Pattaya.
• Laureate International Universities (2012-2019) – COO and CEO roles for 3 different universities, based in Mexico, Malaysia, and Thailand. These universities have all successfully increased accessibility to higher education for students in developing markets. Graduate outcomes for each of these universities significantly outpaced our competitive set.
• General Mills, Inc. (1997-2012) – Leadership, marketing, and general management roles for this multi-national FMCG with postings in Latin America, Thailand, and China
• PepsiCo, Inc (1990-1995)– Finance and business strategy roles at world headquarters in New York as well as Pepsi North America in Boston, MA

Education

• Harvard Business School (1995-1997) – MBA
• Tennessee Tech University (1983-1987) – B.S. in Business

Current Volunteer

• Board of Trustees, ISB school (2018-Present)

Why I'm Running for the Board

My work experience includes management of the companies in Amata Group which has steadily grown over 2 decades, as well as management experience in public and private organizations in the position of Board Director and Committee member.

I care about all my responsibilities with integrity and transparency in service of achieving the objectives set for the organization. By management, I adhere to three main principles: commitment, sincerity, and being truthful, because every Commitment to customers or subordinates must be treated and acted upon to build reliability and trust, and to provide a good example for business associates and subordinates.

In addition, I confidently provide support to personnel and subordinates in training regularly and develop them to participate and present ideas.  I seek new technologies and innovations to develop organizations for sustainable success.

Biography

Mr. Viboon Kromadit earned the master’s degree in political science from Thammasat University. He has been working with Amata for over 20 years and as the head of Marketing and Sales Department of Amata City Chonburi and Amata City Rayong Industrial Estate which have the total area of more than 44,000 rai. Thereby, he is one of the key directors who has pushed Amata to be very successful.

Besides his routine work as the Director of AMATA, he also emphasizes on the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility. He works as a Chairman of AMATA Sustainable Development Committee which is officially established in 2012. The committees are responsible for the development in local community, society and environment to ensure that local people can pleasantly live with AMATA Industrial Estate.