Central Group restructures leadership for next chapter of growth

Central Group’s major appointment in 2026 represents a strategic move amid highly volatile global business conditions.

It is intended to enhance the group’s management structure and reinforce a unified approach to sustainable business expansion in Thailand and internationally.

The restructuring of Central Group’s senior leadership clearly signals that the organisation is preparing for a new chapter of growth, described as “The Next Chapter”.

Its operations span 18 countries worldwide amid rapidly changing economic and competitive conditions, including developments in AI technology and increasingly complex consumer behaviour.

Wallaya Chirathivat appointed Central Group president

Tos Chirathivat, executive chairman of Central Group, said that over the past 79 years, the group had developed organisational innovation and its people alongside its business expansion, growing from a Thai department store into a multinational conglomerate.

The appointment of Wallaya Chirathivat, who has worked with Central Group for more than 40 years, as president brings an executive with an in-depth understanding of its business structure into the role to strengthen the senior management team.

In her new role, Wallaya will oversee and be responsible for key matters concerning group strategy, focusing on strengthening connections and integrating the capabilities of the group’s various businesses.

She will also represent the organisation in advancing cooperation with the government, private sector, investors, business partners and international cooperation networks, as well as undertake strategic assignments directly from the executive chairman.

“Wallaya has been a key force in driving Central Group’s retail and property businesses, particularly through her management of Central Pattana Public Company Limited, or CPN, which expanded its shopping-centre and mixed-use development portfolio from 10 projects to 45.

“This led to record financial results in 2025, with total revenue of THB53 billion and net profit of more than THB19 billion.”

Central Group restructures senior management

Following the restructuring, Central Group’s senior management comprises Tos Chirathivat, executive chairman and CEO; Wallaya Chirathivat, president; Prin Chirathivat, executive vice chairman; Pichai Chirathivat, executive director; and Pandit Mongkolkul, chief financial officer.

Central Group’s organisational restructuring in 2026 also includes the formation of two key governing bodies.

A new Central Group Board of Directors was appointed early in the year, with Prof Emeritus Dr Suthiphand Chirathivat as chairman.

The board oversees corporate governance and sets policy direction.

A new Central Group Executive Committee, chaired by Tos Chirathivat, was also established in April 2026 to provide strategic recommendations on key matters and prepare the organisation for long-term growth.

Central Group operates in more than 140 cities worldwide

Central Group currently operates in more than 140 cities worldwide, with more than 7 million square metres of commercial space, total revenue exceeding THB520 billion, more than 45 million members in its loyalty programme and over 138,000 employees. Its operations are driven through four principal business groups:

• Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited, or CRC
• Central Pattana Public Company Limited, or CPN
• Central Plaza Hotel Public Company Limited, or CENTEL
• Central Group Europe, which operates more than 40 luxury department stores in seven countries

The appointment of a president and the restructuring of the group’s governing bodies therefore represent a significant strategic step by Central Group to connect its assets and capabilities and build sustainable global competitiveness.

Profile of Wallaya Chirathivat

• Wallaya is a second-generation heir of the Chirathivat family. She is the daughter of Central Group founder Tiang Chirathivat and Wipha, his third wife.
• Education: She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the University of Hartford in the United States, respectively. She also completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
• Her career began as assistant managing director of Central Retail Corporation from 1998 to 2004.
• She later moved to Central Pattana Public Company Limited, where she served as assistant managing director and deputy managing director responsible for business development and construction project management.
• She served as the first female president and chief executive officer of Central Pattana Public Company Limited until April 30, 2026.

Source: Thansettakij