Gareth is the Chief Technical Officer of DDX, an award-winning consultancy specialising in sustainability, smart cities, and mobility. He has a decade of experience in managing technical consulting firms, including eight years in Asia. Gareth has successfully directed numerous multi-year digital transformation and enterprise smart services projects for a roster of blue-chip clients, including Nikkei, BMW, and True, as well as recent, large-scale smart city projects.

Highlights:

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I am delighted to have served as both a Director and Chair for the past 2 years. It has been a pleasure and honour to meet so many members of the BCCT and to hear their views on the Chamber and how it supports their businesses. Becoming Chair during the Covid years was interesting as our focus turned to vaccinations, online events and general help for members. During the second year we have seen a return to a more normal profile of face-to-face events, online activities, new Working Groups and travel around the country.

It has been particularly pleasing to see the growth and level of activity over the 2 years of our Working Groups structured in direct response to member needs. We have also continued to build a strong relationship with the DIT and British Embassy.

In terms of style, I believe the Board of the BCCT has a collective responsibility to participate in and lead on behalf of its members. By working as a team and involving others the workload can be shared thus empowering the Executive to deliver on multiple fronts for its members whilst making it enjoyable.

One of the key roles of the BCCT it is about recognising the role of business within societies and communities. Again, this is something the BCCT does well.

As for my background, I currently serve as the Chairman of Grant Thornton in Thailand (https://www.grantthornton.co.th/) along with other similar roles with both local and international companies. Further details can be found on my LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccracknell/

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Pinyapa (Aime) has extensive experience in advising multinational corporations and local companies across various industries on project financing, Foreign Direct Investment, corporate structuring and restructuring, the establishment of business in Thailand and cross-border transactions matters.

With years of experience, in both legal and business practices, I have a pool of knowledge and great understanding in business model concept and the existential needs for successful and sustained business and investment.

After graduated my Master’s Degree in International Trade and Commercial Law from Durham University, United Kingdom, I moved back to Thailand in 2015.

As of now, I am a Managing Partner of TWLS Company Limited, Thailand branch office of TWL Law Group. TWL Law Group, which is headquartered in Taiwan, has successfully assisted with innumerable multi-jurisdictional projects and transactions of Southeast Asia. We have offices and affiliate teams in Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan, Singapore, Philippines, Cambodia and India.

I was honoured to serve BCCT as a BCCT Director from 2018 to 2021. During such time, I co-founded BCCT Young Professionals Working Group and also actively involved with BCCT Legal & Taxation and Women in Business Working Groups.

Giving a BCCT members’ business support has always be one of my passions and key commitments, in 2022, I co-founded and Chair BCCT Advocacy Working Group. As a voice and on behalf of BCCT members, Advocacy Working Group has been actively engaged in public private dialogue and private sector advocacy to influence government policies, laws, regulations, and administrative arrangements, which are or possibly affecting BCCT members.

I will continue my active involvement in BCCT working groups, events, and contributing to the agenda, the promotion of the Chamber and members as well as bringing further diversity and dynamic into BCCT to adding value to our members.

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I am proud to hold the position of General Manager at Lancaster Bangkok hotel, having worked there since September 2016. Prior to relocating here I worked in London as a General Manager for the same owning company, having worked as a General Manager in London for over ten Years for both the Intercontinental Hotel Group and Whitbread Hotels.

Having spent most of my career in England, It was always an ambition to work in Thailand. I moved to Bangkok with my two children, and my wife who works as a teacher at an international school. In January 2018 I established a Bangkok Hotel General Managers networking group; with a following of over 120 GM’s who meet regularly to discuss the issues facing the tourism industry, and enjoy industry specific business briefings.

I was delighted in 2019 to be co-opted as a BCCT Director, Chair of the Tourism group and representative of the BCCT at the Foreign Chambers Alliance, enabling me to bring a depth of experience and knowledge to the role. My commitment to the BCCT members is that I will be an active and energetic board member, representing their interests wherever possible; Hotels are the biggest member segment of BCCT, and through my GM network I have been able to help the chamber secure great venues for our T3 networking events. My plan for 2023 is to continue to arrange events for General Managers and open them up to BCCT members with an interest in travel and tourism, work with the Foreign Chambers Alliance, and support the BCCT events committee in making British Chamber events the best in Thailand.

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Ann is a seasoned International C-suite leader with a strong technical breadth across multiple disciplines with extensive experience in Business Transformation, Business Integration, Format Development, and Portfolio Reviews. Her industry knowledge and leadership skills are both broad and deep, and she is highly adept at operating at scale and across complex businesses.

Ann joined PCS as CEO in early 2021 to spearhead the transformation of the business in this technical and digital era. She has already had a tremendously positive impact, most notably in the areas of growth, sustainability and employee engagement.
Before joining PCS, Ann was with Tesco Group for 32 years, most recently as the Chief Operating Officer for Tesco Lotus in Thailand. With Tesco, she has also held the titles of Country CEO and International HR Director as well as leadership positions in the UK, Ireland, Turkey, and Hong Kong.

PCS part of OCS group, the largest privately owned International Facilities Service Provider has been operating in Thailand since 1967, is renowned throughout the country as a leader in its field. Today, PCS has 20 branches, five training centres, 30,000 colleagues, and more than 5,000 customers across Thailand.

Ann will use her knowledge to support and enhance the promotion of trade and investment between UK and Thailand and support and assist in the development of member companies.. Her knowledge of facilities management and business transformation is especially relevant in the COVID-19 era. She will actively take part in the championing of diversity, inclusivity and sustainability.

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HSBC was established as the first bank in Thailand in 1888. Headquartered in London, HSBC Group is one of the largest financial services organisations in the world with an international network located in 80 countries and territories. HSBC Thailand offers a comprehensive range of financial services to corporate customers.

Giorgio Gamba was appointed Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Thailand in August 2021. He joined HSBC in 2001 and has worked across Wealth and Personal Banking, Risk and Global Banking in the UK, India, Hong Kong and Korea. Most recently, he led the bank’s Asia-Pacific Public Sector coverage team out of Hong Kong and was responsible for the client relationship management function and the delivery of corporate investment banking services and solutions to key Asian sovereign, supranational, government agency, public sector body, local government, public pension, central banks and sovereign wealth fund clients.

Giorgio holds an MA and LLB degree in Law from the University College London.
He enjoyed meeting with BCCT executives (Chris Cracknell, Nick Smart & Khun Khemika Ratanakul). He will be working with the Board on several CSR activities, assisting in promoting CSR initiatives and EEC for BCCT. 

HSBC has been an annual sponsor of BCCT since 2007 and will do so again in 2023. In addition, HSBC sponsored key BCCT events throughout 2022 - such as business leader dinner, the BCCT Christmas luncheon - and intends to continue doing so in 2023.
HSBC was one of the first companies to join the BCCT on its establishment in 1946.

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Annemarieke de Haan, Dutch citizen, is General Manager for Home Care in Southeast Asia, Head of Country in Thailand, and leads the Unilever teams in Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore. She is based in Bangkok, Thailand.

Annemarieke has served Unilever for more than 23 years in various roles across categories and countries. Prior to her current role, she was Executive Vice President for Unilever Benelux (2020-2022), Managing Director for Unilever Malaysia and Singapore (2017-2020) and Vice-President for Personal Care at Unilever Indonesia (2015-2017).

She has worked in different countries, such as the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Japan. Apart from English, French, German and Dutch, she speaks Japanese, Mandarin, and Bahasa Indonesia.

Annemarieke graduated from Erasmus University Rotterdam and Leiden University with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a master’s degree in Japanese language and culture and finalized the New Board Program at Nyenrode University.

Annemarieke is a strong advocate for talent development, workplace diversity and sustainability goals. She has been the chairperson of the Dutch Food and Drink Federation FNLI, board member of the Dutch employers’ association VNO/NCW, member of the Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition, board member of the Malaysian Dutch Business Council, and member of the CGD global advisory group for expanding labor market access for refugees and forced migrants. Annemarieke was awarded CEO Champion by Talentcorp, Best Sustainability Leader in Malaysia, and won the Young Captain Award in the Netherlands.

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Pearson is the world’s learning company with operating in 70 countries and one of the largest UK qualifications providers. We combine world-class educational content and assessment, powered by services and technology, to enable more effective teaching and personalized learning at scale. To help shape the future of learning.

Jantima is the Country Manager, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia of Pearson Education Indochina Limited, part of the world’s largest education company and one of the largest UK qualifications providers.

Jantima has experienced working in Education for the past 15 years working across Indochina to develop on English, Assessments, and qualifications frameworks.

Working with Thai Government
Jantima has been working closely with Ministry of Education to deliver BTEC for local vocational expertise through local colleges and universities in Thailand.

Running the project to development of English skill competency and Talent career guidance for SEAMEO STEM-ED project and TPQI (Thailand Professional Qualifications Institution).

In Thailand, we are working closely with Ministry of Education to offer BTEC Diplomas awarded into Thailand Vocational Education and working with the EEC (Eastern Economic corridor) to develop career-focused programs.

BCCT Board Director Activities:
I am an active member of the BCCT as Board Director and I maintain an active role as a member of BCCT Advocacy Committee and a member of the BCCT CSR Working Group Committee. I have been as speakers and representative of BCCT meeting with MOE, Government stakeholders and joint meeting with other chambers events. I am passionate to represent on the Education and aim to develop and raise UK education in Thailand.

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Kenny joined Prudential Thailand as CEO at the start of 2023, bringing with him strong experience in both life and non-life insurance sectors from his experience as Country Manager at Generali Life & Non-Life Insurance, Samsung Life Assurance, and SCB-New York Life. He is known for being innovative in business dealing and performance delivery, and is committed to deliver the company’s vision to help Thai people get the most out of life.

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Rachel Jones has worked in the international school sector for most of her career and for the past 13 years has led the Admissions team at Bangkok Patana School.

Bangkok Patana School is the oldest and largest British international school in Thailand. The organisation has been a member of the BCCT for over 20 years, and a Sterling level sponsor for just over five years. Many of the Chamber’s members are also part of the Bangkok Patana School community, which makes natural and strong links between the two organisations.

Rachel has lived in Thailand for the past 17 years, and through her various associations has long links with the British community, putting her in good stead to be a representative of the British business community in Thailand. Having lived in Thailand through both challenging and prosperous times, she understands the difficulties faced by businesses and the possibilities that can lead to success.

Under her management, enrolment at Bangkok Patana has maintained its strong growth and the School continues to be a leader in a very competitive environment. It is the most internationally diverse within its sector in Thailand, and Rachel is passionate about maintaining that diversity within the context of a British school.

Rachel is a strong believer in ethical standards, which enable all players, large or small to operate in a fair environment. She also supports diversity in all areas and is keen to promote the growing involvement of business women within the BCCT.
Rachel completed her MA (Hons) at the University of Edinburgh and then embarked upon her career, moving to Thailand in 2004

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Boat is a Vice President in the Global Corporate and Investment Banking Department, with the responsibility of supporting the relationship with some of the largest multination corporations on a wide range of financial solutions across treasury services, trade finance, funding, foreign exchange, and capital markets. He has been a part of the team that successfully executed many of Thailand’s landmark deals such as the largest initial public offering of a Food & Beverage company in Southeast Asia in 2018 and a US$1bln liability management of one of the largest chemical companies in the country.

In addition to his role, Boat also co-founded and leads the Intergenerational Network at Bank of America in Thailand, with the responsibility of fostering collaboration and understanding between teammates from different generations. Since 2020, he has also been the co-Chair of the Young Professionals Committee (YPC) at the American Chamber of Commerce and has hosted numerous networking forums on different topics such as leadership styles, diversity and inclusion, and career development.

Through the YPC’s events, he has helped raised fund to support the Adopt-a-School Program, which provides financial support to procure learning equipment for schools in Thailand’s rural areas. Boat holds a Bachelor of Science (Summa Cum Laude) in Business Management, with a concentration in Finance, from Brigham Young University Hawaii, where he also received the Outstanding Student in Finance Award (top student of the graduating class).

Prior to college, he was nominated for the University of British Columbia’s International Leader of Tomorrow Award and a recipient of the British Council’s Inspire Scholarship to Cardiff Sixth Form College in the United Kingdom. Boat is driven to help businesses in Thailand thrive and tackle challenges through financial solutions and collective collaboration, across both the public and private sectors.

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I am an experienced Finance Director and General Manager with 12 years’ experience operating at board level within the Lucy Group, which is a well-established British company founded in 1760. I have a sound financial background developed over 30 years in finance, accounting and operational roles across a diverse range of industries.

In 2018 I seized the opportunity to join Lucy Electric in Thailand (LET) as a Director to take on a new role as Head of Finance South East Asia responsible for APAC plus China. I both live and work on the Eastern Seaboard.

The move to Thailand has brought many changes; new products, new business systems, new culture not to mention new markets, regulation and legislation! The factory operation of LET is based in a freezone dealing with customs on a daily basis as well as navigating the “local value-added” maze and other freezone requirements.

If elected I would represent the interest of member companies, not just in manufacturing and in areas concerning BOI and issues surrounding Thai customs and freezone but also promote the ESB and everything it can offer with events that advocate networking, career development, topical discussions as well as supporting the BCCT Young Professionals and the Women in Business Groups.

I believe I can add to the BCCT as a director as I recognise that further engagement with ESB BCCT members and potential members is critical for the growth of the Chamber. By actively promoting its benefits, we can imbue the future leaders of both BCCT member and non-member companies alike with the immense value, purpose, and sense of community that the Chamber continues to invoke.

I am a driven, forthright and tenacious individual who enjoys solving business problems, isn't afraid to challenge the status quo and values integrity.

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Waraporn has 24 years experience in the Thai insurance industry and currently handles group employee benefits insurance for large corporate clients. Her responsibilities also include oversight of LawtonAsia’s insurance ethics and compliance, and she is the company’s main liaison with the insurance regulator.

LawtonAsia is Thailand’s leading British-Thai independent insurance broker and takes an active part in the local business community. They were heavily involved in the setting up of the Irish-Thai Chamber and the EABC — European Association for Business and Commerce — and have representation on each of their Boards.

While pursuing her career in insurance Waraporn has found the time to bring up a family — a daughter who recently graduated from Cambridge and a son currently attending college in America on a golf scholarship. In her spare time she has actively organized charity events for LawtonAsia, raising money for Sister Louise’s Good Shepherd Foundation for young underprivileged women in Thailand.
Now that her children have both left home Waraporn is eager to become fully involved with the Chamber and to use her energies to help drive the Chamber forward and promote its activities, especially to those in the Thai business community and international companies where she has extensive contacts as a result of her work with LawtonAsia.

Waraporn is a member of The Chartered Insurance Institute as well as the Thai Insurance Brokers Association.

Education: Bachelor of Media & Communication Arts from the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce
Work experience: Waraporn worked for both French and Korean multinational companies in Bangkok before co-founding LawtonAsia Insurance Brokers in 1997.  Her drive and initiative have helped the company grow into what it is today.

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David Norcross was born in Manchester, England and has lived in Thailand since 2003. Today, David is the CEO of Lexicon as well as Chair of the BCCT Digital Technology committee.

David founded Lexicon in 2015, having previously worked in communication roles for KPMG and PKF in Thailand. Under David’s leadership, Lexicon has grown from a single employee company to become Thailand’s leading Digital Storytelling agency, occupying 600sqm of office space in the Silom area.

Relationship with the BCCT: David has been an active member of the British Chamber for over 10 years. Highlights include:

- Developing the BCCT’s social media strategy. This new strategy saw the chamber more than double its LinkedIn following in less than a year and create a new way to engage with members during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of today, the BCCT has the most LinkedIn followers of any chamber of commerce in Thailand.

- Chairing the BCCT Digital Technology Working Group. In 2021, this committee held the most physical and online events of any BCCT Working Group.

- David and Lexicon were nominated for 3 awards at the BCCT Thailand International Business Awards.

- Strong relationship with BCCT members. In addition to counting many BCCT members as clients, Lexicon provides a free introductory video to all new BCCT members to help introduce themselves to the BCCT community.

Pledge: While on the board, he will use his entrepreneurial experience to advocate on behalf of small businesses across Thailand, while providing representation for the digital sector and young(ish) professionals. In addition, David will leverage Lexicon’s client relationships (including the British embassy) to connect with and benefit the BCCT membership across the country.

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Blake qualified as a chartered accountant in the UK with PwC, prior to moving to Thailand in 2004 and joining Mazars in 2009. Mazars in Thailand is a leading audit, accounting, tax, legal, and financial advisory practice, with over 280 professionals combining the benefits of an integrated global partnership and the local experience of the Partners.

Blake leads the Mazars audit department managing a team of around 100 financial, IT and internal audit specialists and is the Mazars Partner responsible for firm Human Resources management. With over 20 years of professional experience in auditing and financial advisory services, Blake has a broad knowledge of international and Thai accounting, business regulations and the challenges faced by international companies in Thailand.

Blake is also a member of the Mazars in Thailand Executive Committee and has completed the Thai Institute of Directors Certification Program and Diploma examination.

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Honorary Advisors 

BCCT Staff