WEF names head of BJC 'Young Global Leader'
Aswin Techajareonvikul, president and CEO of Berli Jucker, is the latest Thai to make his name known internationally as a member of the prestigious World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders.
At 37, he is the only Thai among 214 young leaders from 66 countries who have been recognised for their achievements before reaching the age of 40 and their contribution to society.
The YGL Class of 2014 consists of 49 members from East Asia, 46 from Europe, 17 from Latin America, 18 from the Middle East and North Africa, 48 from North America, 17 from South Asia and 19 from sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the WEF’s website, before Aswin, five Thais had made into to the elite club – ML Dispanadda Diskul (social entrepreneur), Kongpan Pramoj Na Ayudhya (infrastructure and urban development), Kritaya Sreesunpagit, Nick Pisalyaput and Nitsara Karoonuthaisiri.
"The YGL community assembles the world’s most outstanding next-generation leaders who have a proven record of extraordinary achievement and helps them further develop in their leadership journey," David Aikman, managing director and head of New Champions at the World Economic Forum, said yesterday.
Aswin is a son-in-law of Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, one of Thailand’s richest men.
He joined Berli Jucker in 2007. A year later he was promoted to president and in 2012 was made chief executive officer. Before that he served as a director of TCC Technology.
Under his guidance, BJC – a 120-year-old company – has transformed itself from a consumer-product maker to an industrial conglomerate with products ranging from consumer goods to packaging and healthcare products. In an interview with The Nation, he said he was also setting his sights on turning BJC into a regional player, set to grow revenues generated in other Asean countries.
In November 2012, CNBC named him "Thailand Business Leader of the Year" in recognition of his visionary leadership both in his home country and in the global marketplace. His humility was revealed when he went onstage to pick up the award and said, "I’m here on behalf of all employees."
In his message on the company’s website, he did not hide his pride in the success.
"BJC simultaneously makes a strong commitment to the future, not only in Thailand, but regionally as well. Our firm ambition is to be Asean’s leading distribution company, through growing product portfolios, reinventing our distribution channels and expanding our geographical reach.
