Board Of Directors
Donnah Ciempka
President
Head of School – Ascot International School
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 Button
Vice President
Director – Move Ahead Media
Joana Button
Vice President
Director – Move Ahead Media
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 Canon
Vice President
Senior Vice President – Hotel Asset Management, Thailand and Vietnam at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL)
Jon Canon
Vice President
Senior Vice President – Hotel Asset Management, Thailand and Vietnam at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL)
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.
Matthew Cutt
Treasurer
Partner – BDO in Thailand
Matthew Cutt
Treasurer
Partner – BDO in Thailand
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
Dwight Willis
Director
Co-founder and CEO Dollarsmart Global (“DSG”)
Dwight Willis
Director
Co-founder and CEO Dollarsmart Global (“DSG”)
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.
Chaiwat Keratisuthisathorn
Director
Partner, Tilleke & Gibbins
Chaiwat Keratisuthisathorn
Director
Partner, Tilleke & Gibbins
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.
Chokdee Wisansing
Director
Chief People Officer Asset World Corp Public Company Limited
Chokdee Wisansing
Director
Chief People Officer Asset World Corp Public Company Limited
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.
Simon Angove
Director
General Manager at Pullman Pattaya Hotel G
Simon Angove
Director
General Manager at Pullman Pattaya Hotel G
My commitment to the Australian Chamber in the Eastern Seaboard has been marked by dedication to supporting of events, charities, and businesses associated with the Chamber. As a proud member, I have actively participated in and contributed to numerous initiatives, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Through the Chamber’s events, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with like-minded professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, creating valuable networks and partnerships. Looking ahead, I am excited about the continued journey of making meaningful contributions to the Chamber and the Eastern Seaboard community.
I am passionate about contributing to the success and growth of AustCham as a potential Director for the Eastern Seaboard. With a deep understanding of the regional business landscape and relationship and strong connections within the Australian business community, I believe that I will be able to bring valuable insights and strategic thinking to the Chamber incorporating the key foundations of the Eastern Seaboard.
My background in Hospitality and Tourism equips me with the knowledge and experience needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities specific to the region. I am dedicated to promoting collaboration and innovation within the business community, aiming to enhance AustCham of meaningful connections and valuable partnerships.
As an AustCham Director, I envision leveraging my skills in leadership, communication and partnerships to contribute to the Chamber’s initiatives and directions. Whether it’s promoting and advocating for business-friendly policies, or fostering networking opportunities I am confident that my passion for the region, coupled with my professional expertise, will continue to enhance the Chamber’s ability to serve its members. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with fellow Directors and stakeholders to drive AustCham’s mission forward and ensure its continued success as a leading force in promoting Australian business interests on the Eastern Seaboard.
Jan Rohweder
Director
CEO and Founder of Marketing Bear
Jan Rohweder
Director
CEO and Founder of Marketing Bear
Being a dedicated AustCham member since 2020 and leading AustCham’s Digital Marketing Subcommittee in early 2023, I’ve driven key digital initiatives, notably a strategic MOU with Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) and the organization of three major events, including a training focused on the latest in AI technology.
As the CEO and Founder of Marketing Bear since 2013, I have elevated our agency to a leading position in Bangkok’s digital marketing field, delivering substantial results for SMEs and enterprises like Michelin and PCS in Southeast Asia and Australia.
My educational foundation in International Management with Engineering and my commitment to fostering the next generation of marketers through my roles as a Senior Mentor and Guest Lecturer at the University of Newcastle, Australia, underlines my expertise and enthusiasm for sharing knowledge.
Aiming to further AustCham’s digital transformation, I aspire to join the Board of Directors to introduce more digitally focused events and initiatives and ensure that informative and training-based events provide tangible value to our members’ businesses.
I look forward to empowering the AustCham community with the latest in marketing and operational technologies, ensuring our collective advancement in the digital landscape!
Yvonne Foo
Director
Country Head, Australia & New Zealand Banking Group, Thailand
Yvonne Foo
Director
Country Head, Australia & New Zealand Banking Group, Thailand
Yvonne Foo is the Country Head of Australia & New Zealand Banking Group, Thailand (‘ANZT’). Yvonne has more than 20 years of banking experience with leading international banks across ASEAN and New Zealand including 14 years with ANZ which has given her a deep understanding of the AU/NZ and ASEAN markets. Prior to her current role, she was the Acting Country Head for ANZ Malaysia and Head of Business Management responsible for strategic priorities across six countries.
ANZT has been a member of AustCham Thailand for many years. Yvonne had previously lived in Thailand and was a frequent attendee of AustCham Thailand Sundowners and events. She was also previously a member of Singapore AustCham and a Board Member of NZ Chamber where she played an active role in driving the strategic direction, advocating for the Singapore-AU/NZ corridor, and participating as host/speaker in events.
As an AustCham Thailand Board Member, Yvonne looks forward to further strengthening the Australia-ASEAN ties and promoting further opportunities both ways. She is also
passionate about CSR initiatives and led ANZ Singapore’s CSR programme which was recognised by the Singapore Government. She hopes to contribute positively to AustCham Thailand’s CSR activities.
Yvonne has a Bachelor of Science and Postgraduate in Financial Mathematics from Victoria University of Wellington, NZ.
Amelia Walsh
Ex Officio Director
Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, Thailand and Laos at Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) Australian Embassy Bangkok
Amelia Walsh
Ex Officio Director
Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, Thailand and Laos at Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) Australian Embassy Bangkok
Amelia is the Trade and Investment Commissioner based in Bangkok (previously Singapore), responsible for growing Australia’s trade, investment and education relationship. In addition, she has a regional Southeast Asia role to drive outcomes for agribusiness and food exporters.
Within Austrade Amelia has worked on promoting Australian capability to global markets, attracting investment into sectors including resources, energy and technology and has been Austrade’s representative in the office of the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment.
Amelia has more than 10 years’ international business experience in public and private sector roles, including as an investment analyst in Chicago and in the communications and stakeholder engagement team for a large foreign headquartered mining company based in Brisbane.
Amelia holds a Masters of Business Administration and is on the James Cook University Singapore Advisory Board.
AustCham Thailand Committees
We are please to introduce AustCham Committees and Working Groups
Area Base Committees
AustCham Special Projects
Honorary Members
We are please to introduce AustCham honorary members
Past Presidents
1977 Adrian L. Gundlach
1978 Adrian L. Gundlach
1979 Desmond H. Keneally
1980 Robert F. Goninon
1981 Robert F. Goninon
1982 Robert F. Goninon
1983 Robert F. Goninon
1984 Michael D. Ryan
1985 Michael D. Ryan
1986 John W Hancock
1987 Kenneth Bradley
1988 Kenneth Bradley
1989 Kevin F. Smith
1990 Kevin F. Smith
1991 Philip W Forrest, Keith M. Folwell
1992 Gary H. White
1993 David Took, Barrie Law, Roger Lindeman
1994 Gary H. White
1995 Gary H. White
1996 Gary H. White
1997 Gary H. White
1998 John W Hancock
1999 Max Lindsay
2000 Max Lindsay
2001 Hugh Mosley
2002 Mark Driscoll
2003 David Wright
2004 David Wright
2005 Gary Woollacott
2006 Gary Woollacott
2007 Gary Woollacott
2008 Shane Torr
2009 Andrew Durieux
2010 Andrew Durieux
2011 John Anderson
2012 John Anderson
2013 Leigh Scott – Kemmis
2014 Leigh Scott – Kemmis
2015 Leigh Scott – Kemmis
2015 Brenton Mauriello (from Sept 2015)
2016 Brenton Mauriello
2017 Brenton Mauriello
2018 Brenton Mauriello
2019 Wayne Williams
2020 Benjamin Krieg
2021 Benjamin Krieg
2021 Chris McLoughlin
2022 M.L. Laksasubha Kridakon