About Dhanin Chearavanont
Dhanin Chearavanont, senior chairman of Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, said in a December 2024 interview that he does not expect to fully retire, stating, "I think it's impossible. I contribute to areas where I can be beneficial and I don't think the human brain should stop learning." He expressed satisfaction with the group's succession plan, noting that his sons Suphachai and Soopakij Chearavanont are "working hard" and that the group is "innovating, adapting to this new era and cultivating talent." Chearavanont said he focuses on "reforming talent from the outside" and gives his sons "just advice" rather than guidance, adding that he sets an example for them.
In earlier appearances, Chearavanont discussed CP Group's investments in technology and innovation. In a 2021 interview, he said the group's digital park in Thailand helps incubate start-ups and that he believes Thailand can become a tech hub due to its geographic position in Asia. He also spoke about the group's "three benefits" principle, stating that business activities should benefit the country, the people, and the company. Regarding education, Chearavanont said in 2019 that he runs a for-profit education company and argued that underperforming teachers should be removed, stating, "Like any other profession, very poor performers should be removed so you can honor and retain those with real qualities."
Source: AI-verified profile updated from Dhanin Chearavanont's recent appearances.
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Transcript (12 segments)
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Narrator0:02
Dhanin Chearavanont at 85 already has a succession plan in place for his massive empire. In 2017, his eldest son, Suphakid, became group chairman, while his youngest son, Supachai, became group CEO. I asked if he was pleased with the succession plan he has in place.
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Dhanin Chearavanont0:27
I am pleased. They are working hard and have adjusted to the change. The entire group is innovating, adapting to this new era, and cultivating talent to be a valuable resource to the company. While they are doing this, I'm focusing on reforming talent from the outside.
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Interviewer0:43
What advice are you giving Supachai and your two other sons about continuing the family business?
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Dhanin Chearavanont0:55
I don't give much guidance to my sons, just advice, because they are the new generation. They should plan for themselves, be hardworking, and remain persistent. And I set an example for them.
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Interviewer1:09
So he tries to lead by example?
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Dhanin Chearavanont1:11
Yes, yes.
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Interviewer1:12
What have you and your two brothers learned from your father?
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Suphakid Chearavanont1:16
He always has great vision and wisdom, and the direction by the senior chairman mostly is the right direction. We are more of finding the way and executing it.
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Interviewer1:35
What was the leadership transition like from father to sons?
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Suphakid Chearavanont1:39
I think we still more or less work as a team, but certainly he's more on the visions, the big policies, aspirational targets, goals. And as he mentioned, he's very much involved with the new generation and how to really develop entrepreneurship within the organizations.
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Interviewer2:06
Dhanin, you're now senior chairman. Do you see the day where you will fully retire?
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Dhanin Chearavanont2:13
I think it's impossible. I contribute to areas where I can be beneficial, and I don't think the human brain should stop learning. People should keep learning in the company and outside the company all the time.
