Leadership is becoming a defining advantage in the global food industry, as companies use technology, sustainability and strong governance to unlock new opportunities for growth.

At Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited, or CPF, these priorities have shaped a leadership model focused on innovation, resilience and long-term value creation across the company’s global food supply chain.

CEO Prasit Boondoungprasert was recently recognised by three leading regional and national institutions for his leadership, commitment to corporate governance and business performance, reflecting CPF’s broader transformation strategy. FinanceAsia named him Best CEO (Silver) in Thailand, while Corporate Governance Asia honoured him with the Asia’s Best CEO award. He was also named Thailand Top CEO of the Year 2026 in the agriculture and agro-industry category by Business+ magazine, in collaboration with the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy at Thammasat University, for the second consecutive year.

The awards recognise his role in guiding CPF through a period in which technology, sustainability and governance are becoming increasingly central to competitiveness in the global food industry.

Innovation, governance and long-term resilience

Under Mr Prasit’s leadership, CPF has sought to combine commercial performance with responsible business practices. Its strategy is guided by the Charoen Pokphand Group’s “Three Benefits” principle, which prioritises benefits to the country, the people and the company.

CPF has adopted an approach it calls “Sustainovation” — using business innovation to advance environmental and social responsibility.

Across its agro-industrial and food operations, CPF is applying technology to improve efficiency, food safety and traceability. Its efforts range from responsible sourcing and smart farming to automated production, resource management and food development designed to respond to changing consumer needs. These include AI-supported farming systems, digital traceability and advanced manufacturing technologies.

CPF has also advanced its “Partner to Grow” approach, extending the benefits of this transformation to farmers, suppliers and business partners. Through knowledge sharing, technology adoption and improved production standards, CPF aims to help its partners strengthen their competitiveness and grow alongside the company.

Company-wide strengths draw regional recognition

CPF’s recent honours also reflect broader organisational strengths in management, technology, governance and stakeholder engagement.

FinanceAsia named CPF Best Managed Company – Consumer Staples (Gold) in Thailand, as well as Best Managed Company (Bronze) and Best Use of Technology (Silver). Based on a survey of investors and analysts across Asia, the awards reflect confidence in CPF’s strategy, execution and use of technology.

Corporate Governance Asia also recognised CPF with the Sustainable Asia Award, Best Investor Relations Company and Best Corporate Communications. Chief Financial Officer Paisan Chirakitcharern and Kobboon Srichai, Head of Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations, were also honoured for their contributions to financial management, investor relations and engagement with capital-market stakeholders.

Mr Prasit said the recognition belonged to employees across the organisation.

“Recognition reinforces our responsibility to continue improving how food is produced, how technology is applied and how value is shared across the food supply chain.”

For CPF, the awards signal that leadership built on adaptability, partnership, innovation and governance can become a lasting competitive advantage.