Central Group has undertaken a major restructuring, announcing the appointment of Walaya Chirathivat as President of Central Group to strengthen the senior management team and drive the business toward The Next Chapter.
On 3 September 1813, it was reported that Tos Chirathivat, Executive Chairman and CEO of Central Group, announced the appointment of Walaya Chirathivat to the position of President of Central Group. This move aims to reinforce the senior management team and prepare the organization for future growth opportunities.
This appointment marks an important step for Central Group in 2026 amid a highly uncertain global business environment. As the group moves into the next phase of sustainable business expansion, with increasing scale and diversity both domestically and internationally, strengthening the leadership team to build organizational capability is crucial.
Tos Chirathivat, Executive Chairman and CEO of Central Group, said, “Over the past 79 years, Central Group has grown and developed steadily, from its beginnings as a Thai department store to a business group now operating in 18 countries across Asia and Europe. What has brought us here is not only business growth, but also the development of our organization and people alongside it.
Today’s business world changes rapidly. Technology and AI are creating new opportunities, while consumer behaviors and demands also evolve quickly. The key is to continually develop the organization, recognize where opportunities lie, and leverage our strengths to ensure Central Group grows and competes robustly in the long term.
Ms. Walaya has worked with our group for over 40 years. She has deep business insight, extensive experience managing large organizations, and a consistent record of success. I am confident that as President, she will be a vital force in promoting collaboration internally and externally, building on diverse expertise, and leading Central Group steadily into the future.”
As President of Central Group, Walaya Chirathivat will bring her experience and expertise to support key group agendas, build on strengths, link potential across business units, and represent the group in coordinating cooperation with government, private sector, investors, partners, and international networks. She will also be responsible for key missions assigned by Tos Chirathivat, Executive Chairman.
Over more than 40 years, Walaya has played a vital role in Central Group’s development, with experience spanning retail, real estate, and organizational management. Her contributions include elevating Thailand’s modern retail system and leading Central Pattana to become a leading developer of shopping centers and mixed-use projects in the country.
One major achievement under Walaya’s leadership was growing Central Pattana from 10 projects to 45, achieving record financial performance in 2025 with revenues of 53 billion baht and profits exceeding 19 billion baht.
For these accomplishments, Walaya has received international recognition, including being named among Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Asia in 2024 and 2025, and winning CEO of the Year at the 2024 Retail Asia Awards—the first Thai executive to receive this honor—reflecting her ability to grow organizations strongly while creating shared value for a broad range of stakeholders.
Walaya Chirathivat, President of Central Group, said, “Throughout my time working with Central Group, I have witnessed the organization grow through many phases. One thing that has never changed is the belief in conducting business that grows alongside people and society.
Today, Central Group’s strength lies in the diverse expertise of each business. The important next step is to leverage those capabilities to create more shared opportunities and value for customers, partners, employees, allies, and all stakeholders under the vision of Central of Life – the center of living.”
“Above all, I hope Central Group will be recognized not only for its size or business success but for its role in driving the economy, enhancing people’s quality of life, and bringing pride to Thailand on the global stage.”
Walaya Chirathivat will join the Central Group Top Management team led by Tos Chirathivat, Executive Chairman and CEO, along with other senior executives including Prin Chirathivat, Executive Vice Chairman; Pichai Chirathivat, Executive Director; and Pandit Mongkolkul, Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
In early 2026, Central Group appointed a new Board of Directors chaired by Professor Emeritus Dr. Suthiphan Chirathivat, accompanied by distinguished members from various business sectors to broaden perspectives and enhance governance standards. In April 2026, a new Executive Committee (ExCom) was formed with Tos Chirathivat as Chairman, including executives from diverse divisions, to advise on key group agendas and support long-term growth preparedness.
This strengthening of the senior management team, Board of Directors, and Executive Committee marks another key milestone for Central Group in driving business growth domestically and internationally under a unified vision and goals. It also aims to elevate the competitiveness of Thailand’s economy, foster growth that delivers value to society and Thai people, and reaffirm the power of a Thai organization ready to achieve greatness and pride on the world stage.