Saj Iqbal is Country Manager for Linfox Thailand and manages all of Linfox’s logistics business in the Kingdom.

Saj first arrived in Thailand with Mars in 2000 and has 30 years of logistics experience. Saj joined Linfox in 2006 and was responsible for large implementations and growth projects in China, India, Indonesia and Thailand. In 2013, Saj became Country Manager for Linfox Malaysia and in 2016, Saj took on a dual role and added Country Manager for Linfox Indonesia to his responsibility. At the beginning of 2018, Saj was appointed as Regional Account Director for Linfox with specific responsibility for the Unilever Business in Asia Pacific. Saj’s commercial expertise supported continuous improvement savings and incorporated innovation platforms with significant benefit to the customer in Thailand and across Asia. He was appointed Thailand Country Manager in 2019.

Linfox has been operating its logistics business in Thailand and Southeast Asia for over 20 years and serves customers in the FMCG, retail and industrial markets. As Platinum sponsor and through its previous board and committee members, Linfox has been a strong supporter of the chamber and is keen to work side by side to improve the chamber’s relations and service offerings to its members.

Company: DSG established in 2014, is a leading Asian and African International payments company, making thousands of payments for our personal and corporate customers every day into Asia and Africa. A fast growing FINTECH company, developing all our own software, with 20+ employees based in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

2019 – selected by Bank of Thailand as one of Thailand’s Top 8 FINTECH companies.

Experience: 30+ years of international banking experience in large global banks in London, Sydney  and Singapore focused on Financial Markets and Technology and now 6 years of FINTECH startup experience in Thailand and Asia.

Austcham Chamber Experience: Headed Austcham Technology Subcommittee for 3 years. Ran various Technology events.

I am interested in nominating for a Austcham Director position and can contribute the following:

Based in Chiang mai, I can help Austcham establish a strong presence in Thailand second largest city and Northern Thailand.

Deep Technical and Startup experience to the chamber and help build on the Technical subcommittee initiatives we ran over the last few years. 

Frank Holzer is Australian born and has been a resident in Thailand since 2005.

A director for AustCham for the past 5 years and 2 as Treasurer

Also runs the monthly Eastern Seaboard Business Dinner for the past 5 year’s

His professional profile:

King Furniture Thailand ( King Living ) – 2021 till present

-General Manager

ANCA Sheet Metal Solutions – 2017 – 2021

-General Manager

MHG Asia Pacific Operations – 2015 – 2017

-Executive General Manager   

General Motors Thailand (Chevrolet) – 2005 – 2015

-Director ASEAN Manufacturing Finance 

General Motors Holden – 1979 to 2005

-Various positions – Manufacturing, Quality, HR, IT, Finance.

With over 19 years’ experience, Matthew works closely with Boards and c suite professionals primarily helping them execute on strategy. He has done this across three continents, the United Kingdom, Australia and for the last four and a half years here in Thailand.

The connection to AustCham came as a result of Matthew living and working for BDO Australia in Perth, Western Australia for ten years prior to his arrival in Thailand giving Matthew an extensive business network in Australia and a passion for cross border business opportunities between the two countries . AustCham has played a significant part of Matthew’s life since arrival in Thailand due to the many great events and initiatives run by the chamber.

Its now time to give something back to the Australian and Thai business communities by representing AustCham on the board.

Key areas of focus will be to help AustCham under its new leadership challenge and refine its existing strategy, help with best practise principles of corporate governance and manage risk to enable the chamber to grow and increase its impact on the community.

Qualifications & Affiliations

•Master of Mathematics “MMATH” –University of Sheffield

•Chartered Accountant Australia “CA Aus”

•Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant “FCCA”

•Registered Company Auditor Australia “RCA Aus”

•Graduate of Thai Institute of Directors “IOD” Certification program

Khun Chokdee is an experienced business executive with proven records in incubating, developing, and managing multi-business units, in large organisations. He considers himself very fortunate having work in many disciplines namely accounting, operations, project development, business development, and most recently human resources, across various industries from banking, hotel, chain restaurant, consultancy, media, asset management, and real estate. ​

Currently, he is the proud Chief People Officer at Asset World Corp Public Company Limited, a holding company under TCC Group. The company has two main businesses consisting of Hospitality business managed by world-renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, Melia, Le Meridien, and Sheraton and Retail, Wholesale, and Commercial properties whose projects include ASIATIQUE the Riverfront, Gateway Malls, AEC Trade Center, Empire Tower and Athenee Tower.​

Having been given many opportunities in his career, he is at the stage where he can contribute back to the business community and particularly to the younger generation. AustCham has been his preferred Chamber of Commerce during the past years. He has professionally benefitted and enjoyed networking at Sundowners. Thus, it would be a true pleasure to return his service to AustCham members as a Director on the Board.​

Khun Chaiwat is a partner in Tilleke & Gibbins’ corporate and commercial group and head of the firm’s property practice. A seasoned attorney with over 15 years of post-qualification experience, he advises domestic and multinational companies on a wide range of legal matters related to doing business and real estate matters in Thailand. He graduated with an LL.B. from Thammasat University in 2002, and an LL.M. (with honor) in International Business Law from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, in 2006; and is a member of the Lawyers Council of Thailand and the Thai Bar Association. His professional experience and understanding of local laws will be of great benefit to the Board and to AustCham as a whole, and will use knowledge to keep members aware of the latest business and legal developments.

Juthamas Carranco, known as Kwan, is a passionate hotelier with over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality & tourism industry, particularly in five-star hotels. Kwan holds extensive experience in key destinations throughout Thailand such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Samui. She is an Australian Alumni, holding a Masters degree in Marketing Management from Griffith University, Brisbane. Kwan has a comprehensive background in Sales & Marketing, Business Development, Branding and Marketing Communication. She also serves on the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) as Co-Chairperson for the Marketing Committee, working towards promoting Thailand as the top MICE destination in collaboration with TICA, having been selected by TCEB to be part of the Convention Task Force committee, contributing her vast knowledge and skills towards building Thailand as a world class destination for conventions.

Kwan’s passion involves giving back to the community, volunteering as a teacher for AustCham since 2007, in addition to contributing a great deal to Thai society, such as performing as a guest speaker for multiple organizations and universities, such as, TICA, HSMAI, Luxellence, PATA and many other leading universities. Her talents have been well recognized with many awards including Finalist of Australian Alumni Leadership Award 2019, IHMP – International Hospitality Management Program for Accor Leadership Program Class of 2017, Nominee for Best Employee Development Program in 2013 and High Potential Program in 2011 for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific. She was nominated and elected to join the Austcham Board of Directors in 2021 with her large network in hospitality & tourism sector and being a part of the founding committee for AustCham Women In Leadership, which has been converted now to Diversity & Inclusion supporting AustCham’s commitment with an inclusive culture that embraces and promotes diversity. In the new term, Kwan will support the Hospitality & Tourism sub-committee driving new ideas and more values for AustCham members.

Kwan joined SO/ Bangkok in 2012, becoming one of the brand ambassadors for SO/ hotels and resorts in building SO/ brand, recognized worldwide. SO/ Bangkok is a flagship of SO/ hotels & resorts globally, and one of the leading lifestyle brands under the portfolio of Ennismore, a global company managing 14 lifestyle brands under the umbrella of Accor. SO/ Bangkok is luxury lifestyle fashionable-led designed hotel working in collaboration of five well-known Thai designers and the world renowned fashion guru, Monsieur Christian Lacriox. Located on the corner of Sathorn Road and Rama IV Road providing a stunning view of Lumpini Park with one of the most beautiful infinity pool and rooftop bar in town.

2022 AustCham sub-Committee: Lead on Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Committee.

2019-2021 AustCham sub-Committee: Member of Women in Leadership Sub-Committee.

Mrs. Ciempka is currently Head of School at Ascot International School and has worked in education for over 25 years. She has served and held leadership roles in a wide range of schools both internationally and nationally.

In addition to working in schools, Donnah ran her own consultancy business, guiding schools through accreditation processes, strategic planning, policy development, and curriculum implementation.  She has worked alongside universities, not-for-profit organisations, and government departments aligning policy and pedagogy throughout South East Asia.

With a heart for community and collective efficacy, Donnah’s work in the areas of diversity and inclusion is widely known and acknowledged through her speaking engagements and opportunities to present locally and internationally.  This year Donnah has served AustCham through the Education subcommittee establishing and moderating webinars and panel discussions. Connecting communities and people is an area that she would love to continue to support AustCham and its members.

Her desire to connect communities has also seen her work with the Joint Foreign Thailand Chamber of Commerce supporting both their BMA Schools Project and the Skills Passport initiative.  In Australia, Donnah has held a number of roles on Boards of Directors in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors.

As a lifelong learner, Donnah has a number of qualifications and roles that support her application to the AustCham Board.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Education – Queensland University of Education

Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership – Melbourne University

Diploma in Positive Education – Institute of Positive Education, Geelong Grammar

Certificate in Policy Design – Harvard University

Currently studying a Master of Leadership – at Deakin University

Scholarship recipient for Executive Leaders Colloquium through the National Excellence in School Leadership Institute, Melbourne University 2016.

Joana is an angel investor, strategist, problem-solver, multi-award winner and a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. She began her career in marketing and advertising before transitioning into travel technology and digital media space. She has held various senior leadership positions within people and culture, operations, sales, marketing, and customer experience and has a proven track record of success, having helped a travel startup grow from 12M to 120M in just 5 years. Joana now shares her expertise with other startups and SMEs helping business owners and leaders to solve their organisational issues, execute ideas, and future-proof their organisations relocating to Bangkok in 2019.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Joana is actively involved and a proactive contributor to both the Australian and Thai communities driven by her dedication to CSR initiatives and her desire to give back to the industries and communities she loves. Her passion for nurturing the next generation of servant and transformational leaders is seen through the development of her mentoring program and the newly formed Emerging & Future Leaders Committee (EFLC), a vibrant community and hub that unites young professionals, young entrepreneurs and those young at heart to do business, connect and create a lasting impact. 

Joana also co-chairs and is the founding member of Inspiring Women in Travel Asia (IWTA), is one of the Directors of Move Ahead Media, an award-winning full-service digital marketing agency operating across Thailand, Australia, and the United Kingdom as well as helps her husband with their company Simple Scalable Solutions, a technology and investment company that helps startups and SMEs to grow and scale. They are on a mission to transform organisations into values and data-driven, happy and sustainable workplaces. 

Jon as many of you know, was working within hotel operations as General Manager of several properties in Thailand, but stepped back from his role in late December to embark on a new path. Jon’s new role takes in his 20+ years’ experience in the hospitality industry and the last 8 in Thailand and he is now employed in an advisory capacity, working for Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) as Senior Vice President – Hotel Asset Management, Thailand and Vietnam. 

Jon’s new role works in conjunction with Owners, Investors, and Hotel Operators to identify opportunities, manage overall performance, maximize returns on investment, improve cash flow and optimizing hotel assets across Thailand and Vietnam in key destinations and new emerging markets. This new role will add a deeper knowledge set to our Hospitality and Tourism sub-committee, and he will also support the Future Leaders sub-committee to ensure the next generation of leaders are introduced to the chamber to support the continual growth of our Chamber.

Michael is an International Trade and Investment leader with deep commercial and government acumen. He has extensive experience working with investors from North Asia, ASEAN, Europe, India and North America and a diverse range of Australian exporters.

His previous assignments include leading Austrade’s Infrastructure and Energy teams, as Trade Commissioner in Jakarta and as a Diplomat in Kuala Lumpur, as well as in the NSW Premier’s Office.