{"id":3825,"date":"2025-09-13T15:12:44","date_gmt":"2025-09-13T08:12:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thereporter.asia\/eng\/?p=3825"},"modified":"2025-09-13T15:12:44","modified_gmt":"2025-09-13T08:12:44","slug":"dusit-thani","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thereporter.asia\/eng\/2025\/09\/dusit-thani\/","title":{"rendered":"Dusit Thani Taps Chanin Donavanik as CEO, Reaffirms Growth"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a major leadership transition, hospitality giant Dusit Thani PCL has appointed Acting Chairman Chanin Donavanik as its new Group CEO. The move ensures continuity as the company navigates an ambitious growth phase, following the departure of Suphajee Suthumpun, who steps down to assume the pivotal role of Thailand’s Minister of Commerce.<\/b><\/h3>\n

BANGKOK, THAILAND \u2013<\/span><\/b> Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT<\/a>), a stalwart of the Thai hospitality industry, announced a significant change in its executive leadership, effective September 12, 2025. <\/span>The company’s Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Chanin Donavanik<\/strong>, a seasoned leader and the Acting Chairman of the Board, to the position of Group Chief Executive Officer. <\/span><\/p>\n

The appointment follows the early retirement of Ms. Suphajee Suthumpun<\/strong>, who has served as Group CEO for nearly a decade. <\/span>Ms. Suthumpun accepted an official invitation from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to join the government’s economic team as the new Minister of Commerce. <\/span>The company’s board has duly approved her decision, framing it as a moment of national pride. <\/span><\/p>\n

Mr. Donavanik, who will oversee the transition, emphasized the board’s commitment to ensuring operational stability and the seamless continuation of Dusit’s established policies and management strategies. <\/span><\/p>\n

“As a good corporate citizen committed to the benefit of our nation, we are honoured and deeply proud that Ms. Suthumpun has been entrusted with this important role in the government,” stated Mr. Donavanik. <\/span>“It is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and leadership, and we extend our full support as she devotes herself to serving the nation at this critical juncture, a decision driven by her sense of duty to Thailand.” <\/span><\/p>\n

He further expressed gratitude for her transformative impact on the company. “We sincerely thank Ms. Suthumpun for her tireless commitment, leadership, and vision, which have helped shape and strengthen Dusit throughout her tenure… We are certain that the strong foundations she has built at Dusit will continue to deliver value for all stakeholders. Once her important mission with the government is complete, she will always be welcome back to the Dusit family.” <\/span><\/p>\n

A Legacy of Growth and a Future Primed for Success<\/b><\/h3>\n

Reflecting on her tenure, Ms. Suthumpun highlighted the significant milestones achieved. “Over nearly a decade as Dusit\u2019s Group CEO, it has been both an honour and a privilege to help elevate a Thai brand to global recognition, introduce new business lines, and firmly position Dusit Hotels and Resorts as destinations of choice for travellers worldwide,” she said. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ms. Suthumpun leaves the company at a point she describes as its “strongest growth trajectory in Dusit’s history,” supported by robust organizational, business, and financial structures. <\/span>She reassured stakeholders that the company’s core businesses\u2014hotels, education, food, and real estate\u2014are on a solid path to achieve their growth targets. <\/span><\/p>\n

“I want to assure all stakeholders that what I hand over today is the strongest growth trajectory in Dusit\u2019s history… Our goal throughout has always been to ensure that, despite challenges and change, Dusit remains secure and positioned for sustainable success,” Ms. Suthumpun noted. <\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond the Balance Sheet: Uncovering Dusit’s Hidden Value<\/b><\/h3>\n

While the leadership transition is the headline news, the underlying story for investors and business leaders is the potent, long-term value proposition that Dusit has been methodically building. Recent financial statements, which show an accumulated loss of over THB 1 billion and a five-year pause in dividend payments, mask a period of intense strategic investment and expansion poised to deliver significant returns. <\/span><\/p>\n

The reality behind the numbers reveals a company that has more than doubled its revenue in a decade, growing from THB 5.37 billion in 2014 to a projected THB 11.204 billion in 2024, with further increases expected. <\/span><\/p>\n

A key inflection point is on the horizon with the landmark <\/span>Dusit Central Park<\/span><\/b> project, a mixed-use development valued at over THB 46 billion. <\/span>The company is set to begin recognizing substantial revenue from 2026 onwards from the transfer of its “Dusit Residences<\/a>” units, which are already 90% sold, representing a value of over THB 16 billion. <\/span>This, combined with a pipeline of over 50 new hotels worldwide, signals a decisive shift towards profitability. <\/span><\/p>\n

This strategic foresight is the result of a profound business transformation. Over the past decade, Dusit Thani has executed a disciplined strategy focused on three key pillars: balance, expansion, and diversification. <\/span> This has manifested in several key areas:<\/p>\n