Anne Jakrajutatp still CEO of Miss Universe Organization

MUO Pres. Raul Rocha (left) with still CEO Anne Jakrajutatip, co-owners of the organization/MISS UNIVERSE FACEBOOK PHOTO

Thai business mogul Anne Jakrajutatip is still the chief executive officer of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), and has not left the post like many have speculated.

The organization issued a media release on Thursday, May 29, enumerating the revamped executive team. It still lists the Thai personality as “CEO and Co-owner of the Organization.”

Talks that Jakrajutatip was no longer the CEO of the MUO started when a post on the Miss Universe Facebook page showed Raul Rocha, president of the organization, with media executive Ronald Day who was presented as the new CEO.

“With over three decades of experience in media and entertainment, and a passion for promoting cultural diversity and empowering women, Ronald joins MUO at a historic moment of growth and global impact,” the post said.

Because of this development, Jakrajutatip’s recent legal battle with the Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) resurfaced, one that involved the sale of stakes in MUO to Rocha.

The Thai SEC ordered Jakrajutatip and her JKN Global Group to pay fines amounting to 4.1 million baht (P7 million) for citing false information about the sale.

Both Jakrajutatip and JKN Global Group were also banned from holding executive positions or assuming directorships in publicly-listed companies for “56 months,” or four years and eight months.

MUO Pres. Raul Rocha (right) and CEO of Western Regional Office Ronald Day/MISS UNIVERSE FACEBOOK PHOTO

But with Jakrajutatip still as the CEO of MUO, what does that mean for Day? The Telemundo executive’s official designation in the organization is “CEO of Western Regional Office.”

In its media release, MUO said the revamped executive team is composed of “visionary leaders who will accompany the brand into a new era of innovation, inclusion, and international growth.”

Some of the team members were previously holding other posts in the organization and were reassigned to new positions. US-based Filipino entrepreneur Olivia Quido-Co remains as VP of Sales and Global Partnerships.

Venezuelan queen maker Osmel Sousa also stays with the organization, and now officially assumes the post as “Presidential Advisor of Western Regionl Office.”

MUO said: “Every individual contributes a distinctive perspective and strategic outlook that will enrich the legacy of Miss Universe and amplify its worldwide influence.”

The media release said Jakrajutatip, as CEO and co-owner, “has the primary focus of guiding this iconic brand towards sustainable growth, revenue diversification, and global expansion.”

This year’s Miss Universe pageant, the 74th edition of the global tilt set to take place in Thailand in November, “is poised to be a remarkable showcase celebrating global diversity, beauty, and women’s empowerment,” MUO said.

“We are delighted to announce that this new chapter encompasses captivating television productions, innovative product launches, and ambitious global endeavors, solidifying Miss Universe as a pioneering force in innovation, leadership, and cultural resonance,” MUO continued.

Delegates from more than 100 countries and territories around the world are expected to take part in the 74th Miss Universe pageant. Reigning queen Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark will crown her successor at the end of the competition.

Ahtisa Manalo will represent the Philippines in the pageant, and will try to post the country’s fifth win, following Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018). /edv