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Get to know three leaders who are redefining success and driving business growth in Thailand and beyond.
In a rapidly evolving landscape, the definition of business success is being reshaped by a new generation of forward-thinking leaders. These individuals are navigating and adapting to change, fostering growth through innovation, clear purpose and determination.
Today’s Friday Future Listers reveal three trailblazers who are leading the way in their respective fields across Thailand and beyond. Whether they’re building sustainable brands, embracing digital transformation, or putting people at the heart of business, they share a common vision: to lead with intention and shape a more dynamic, inclusive future. Meet the forces behind the momentum and discover how they are redefining what it means to lead, grow and succeed in business.
Redefining Success: Ace Watanasuparp’s Rise in Banking and Beyond
A native New Yorker of Thai and Taiwanese descent, Ace Watanasuparp’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and breaking boundaries. It included serving as the National Director of Strategic Sales at Citizens Bank’s Home Mortgage Division, one of the top-performing banks in America. Since joining the organisation eight years ago, Ace has played a key role in expanding into new markets and achieving record-breaking market share. His strong reputation in the finance and real estate sectors has enabled him to attract high-performing loan officers across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Prior to his time at Citizens Bank, Ace was President of Douglas Elliman’s lending arm, formerly DE Capital, where he worked alongside industry leaders Dottie Herman and Howard Lorber, overseeing operations across multiple states including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Today he is currently serving as Vice President of Cliffco Mortgage Bank. Beyond his accomplishments in finance, he is also the founder of Chase Restaurant Group, a full-service marketing, branding and design firm for the restaurant industry. His entrepreneurial spirit extends into hospitality, where he owns nine successful dining establishments. Among his standout concepts are Spot Dessert Bar, Obao, Gai Chicken and Rice, Fish Cheeks, and Sunday in Brooklyn.
As a Thai-Taiwanese American in a field historically lacking Asian leadership, Ace has challenged stereotypes and risen through the executive ranks, often as one of the few in those roles. His journey is a testament to breaking cultural and professional barriers to succeed on his own terms.
From One Generation to the Next: Nanyang’s Strategy for Continued Success
Now in its seventh decade of success, Nanyang has been Thailand’s trusted footwear brand since 1953. If you spot students in their PE uniforms, take a look at their shoes – chances are they’re wearing these classic Nanyang shoes as it is perfectly suited for outdoor sports and school activities. With its simple yet practical design, the shoes remain a staple across generations. Today, under the leadership of Chakrapol “Jax” Chandavimol, the brand continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
In a fast-changing world, it’s vital for brands to keep pace with evolving trends. One example is the Chang Dao sandals, whose design has become a cultural icon – one that has thrived for decades without the need for advertising. However, the customer base remained unchanged. To stay relevant and expand their customer targets, the brand recognised the need to appeal to a younger audience. This led to the launch of the “Chang Dao Style” campaign, a strategic shift aimed at rebranding and repositioning the product to attract consumers aged 25 and up.
In addition to his classic products, Jax launched a series of limited-edition eco designs, the upcycled Khya (trash) flip-flops, crafted from five kilograms of marine waste per pair. Created in response to the growing issue of ocean pollution, the initiative saw nearly 28,000 pairs sold in just nine days, helping remove approximately 140,000 kilograms of marine waste. The model was built on a circular approach: materials were sourced through Trash Hero’s clean-up efforts, and a portion of the profits was shared with environmental organisations, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
As seen in Jax’s approach, Nanyang is not just preserving its legacy but actively shaping its future. He ensures the brand remains relevant and loved by new generations. His forward-thinking approach balances respect for tradition with a clear vision for growth, helping to secure Nanyang’s place in Thailand’s footwear market for decades to come.
Leading with Vision: Raya Chantaramungkorn‘s Pioneering Smart Healthcare Solution
A strong female leader in the digital healthcare sector, Raya “Ten” Chantaramungkorn has made an impact as Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at HonestDocs, a digital hub for all things healthcare-related. Combining her entrepreneurial acumen with expert marketing skills, Raya brings experience from her previous roles as Regional Marketing Director at commerce and business developer MOXY ASIA. Her passion for wellness, health and self-care, combined with her professional skills, have helped HonestDocs develop into a platform that understands and meets the needs of its users.
Starting in 2017, Raya played a key role in growing the company into one of Thailand’s go-to healthcare marketplaces with the launch of its health and beauty services. Her idea helped the company expand, leading to the opening of HDcare in 2022 – a clever plan that connects patients with surgeons and makes the most of operating room time, helping to improve healthcare.
Under Raya’s leadership, HonestDocs was selected for the prestigious 2023 Google for Startups Accelerator programme, highlighting the company’s innovative spirit and her effective guidance. With her strong grasp of the digital world and clear direction, Raya keeps pushing HonestDocs forward, changing the way healthcare works in Thailand.
