Kearney and Egon Zehnder launch IGNITE to support women leaders in Thailand

Global management consulting firm Kearney and global executive search firm Egon Zehnder along with an advisory board of Thailand’s most influential women business leaders have launched IGNITE Thailand, a new business community for ambitious women in the country.

While Thailand has some very successful women business leaders, there is significant potential to expand this representation. To illustrate, only 19% of board seats are held by women in Thailand, compared with the European average of 30% to 40%.

The newly launched IGNITE Thailand has as its mission to unlock the next generation of professional women leaders, through knowledge sharing, coaching, and mentoring.

“IGNITE Thailand was created to empower and connect women leaders across industries. More than just a program, it is a platform to unlock the next generation of women leaders. When women advance, society advance,” said Wallaya Chirathivat, advisory board member at IGNITE Thailand and president and CEO of Central Pattana.

The business community is guided by 13 advisory board members: Nualphan Lamsam, Wallaya Chirathivat, Pitiporn Phanaphat, Maneerut Anulomsombut, Gloyta Nathalang, Panchalee Weeratammawat, Tongjai Thanachanan, Sarinra Wongsuppaluk, Susanne Migchels, Reetima Rakyan, Lisa Patvivatsiri, Chompan Kulnides, and Voraphak Banlengchit.

“This program enhances leadership development and supports the advancement of women into C-level positions in Thailand,” said Nualphan Lamsam, advisory board member at IGNITE Thailand and CEO of Muang Thai Insurance. “I am honored to be part of this important women’s empowerment effort.” 

Leona Manoonpong, coordinating lead for IGNITE Thailand and principal at Kearney, elaborated on the foundation of the program: “IGNITE Thailand is built on the five pillars of R.A.I.S.E.: Recognize and celebrate achievements. Advocate for positive change. Share Insights on advancing career growth. Support through mentorship and meaningful connections. And Empower for continued career growth through capability building.”

The launch event of IGNITE Thailand at The Ritz-Carlton in Bangkok brought together 16 mentors and 22 mentees from leading Thai and multinational companies across industries such as Central Group, CP Group, Siam Commercial Bank, SEA Group, Bangchak Corporation, MBK, Coca-Cola, ThaiBev, Osotspa, Asian Development Bank, FrieslandCampina, King Power, Minor International, Microsoft, Agoda, Betagro, PTT, AIS, and Unilever.