Thapanee Techajareonvikul assumed the role of CEO and President of Berli Jucker PCL in 2023, marking a historic milestone as the company's first female chief executive [1]. Berli Jucker, a prominent retail and packaging firm, operates Big C, Thailand’s second-largest hypermarket chain, with a presence in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Hong Kong [1]. Thapanee is the youngest daughter of Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, founder of TCC Group, whose family is valued at $10.5 billion according to Forbes, placing them fourth on Thailand's rich list [1].
Thapanee’s leadership philosophy is deeply influenced by her late mother, Wanna Sirivadhanabhakdi, and her father, Charoen, who ensured equal opportunities for all five children within the family business. Each sibling now oversees a different segment of the TCC Group empire, which spans beverages, property, retail, and manufacturing—including Chang beer and Singapore-listed Fraser & Neave [1]. The group's liquor assets are consolidated under Thai Beverage PCL, led by Thapanee's older brother Thapana, while other siblings manage property and investment holdings across Thailand and Singapore [1].
In a CNBC Meets: Legacies interview, Thapanee emphasized her confidence as a female leader, stating, "When I became a female leader, I didn't feel any nervousness. I always saw Mom right there with Dad, at the front of the long table" [1]. She credits her parents for instilling values of hard work, humility, and strategic decision-making, citing the acquisition of Berli Jucker in 2001 for its glass bottle manufacturing as a key move to complement their beverage businesses [1].
Thapanee aims to professionalize the family business while maintaining a culture of listening, respect, and belonging among employees. Her management style reflects her parents' focus on win-win partnerships and balancing risk with careful consideration [1].
CONCLUSION
Thapanee Techajareonvikul's appointment as Berli Jucker's first female CEO underscores the Sirivadhanabhakdi family's commitment to equal opportunity and professional management. With a $10.5 billion empire spanning multiple sectors, her leadership is expected to further strengthen the group's strategic growth and corporate culture. The market impact is medium, as the transition highlights continuity and potential for further expansion.