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With over three decades in HR, Panchalee Weeratammawat has remained guided by one belief: that people strategy has the power to transform not only organisations but people’s lives.
For Panchalee Weeratammawat, Chief People Officer at Central Retail Corporation, leadership begins with understanding the impact of your actions on both people and the organisation. Her early education at Chitlada School, under the guidance of the Thai Royal Family’s values of humility, sacrifice, and purpose, has shaped her belief that true leaders lead through example rather than recognition.
Over more than 30 years in HR across the Asia Pacific region, including senior leadership roles at country and regional levels, Panchalee has seen the function evolve from an administrative role to a strategic driver of business growth, culture, and talent development. She remains committed to using HR as a tool to create meaningful change for individuals and organisations alike.
"I chose this career because I believed I could help create meaningful changes for individuals and, expand it further, for society,” she shared.
As she gets ready to speak at #TransformTalentTH, Panchalee shares with Mary Ann Bundukin on how HR is evolving, the need to develop leaders who combine critical thinking with empathy, and the role of committed leaders in creating resilient organisations that drive sustainable growth for the future.
Q Thinking back to your first day in HR, what core belief has shaped your leadership journey until today?
When I first stepped into HR over three decades ago, it was still perceived as a purely administrative function. My family even questioned my career choice, given my outstanding academic background. However, knowing what I wanted and staying firm in my decision, I decided to pursue. I saw opportunities for improvement and believed HR was, and still is, a critical function that can be so much more. It has the power to create a profound impact on business and people’s lives but only if it is first transformed.
With that purpose in mind, I chose this career because I believed I could help create meaningful changes for individuals and, expand it further, for society. Being a student of Chitlada school, under a patronage His Majesty the King Rama IX, my leadership philosophy has been shaped by the example of the Thai Royal Family, who led by example with humility, sacrifice, and purpose. True leaders do not seek recognition; it comes as a result of consistent actions grounded in purpose and sincerity.
Q In your view, what must organizations do differently today to transform their talent into the future-ready leaders their business truly needs?
Developing future-ready leaders begins with having a clear strategy — understanding the business’s unique context, growth plans, and strategic direction. Too often, career progression is determined by performance, tenure, or seniority, yet leader profiles are not always aligned with the organisation’s future needs. To address this gap, organisations must intentionally build the capabilities, leadership mindset, and resilience required to drive tomorrow’s strategies, not just respond to today’s demands. This means developing leaders with vision and empathy, who possess critical thinking skills, can anticipate changes, make sound decisions in complex environment, and inspire people to achieve sustainable growth well into the future.
Q Looking ahead, which emerging trends do you believe will redefine the role of HR in the next few years?
Over the past few decades, HR has evolved significantly. From a purely administrative function to a strategic business partner. Looking ahead, HR leaders must go a step further, taking on the role of true business leaders who are responsible for shaping and driving organisational strategy, people, and culture.
In addition, the concept of sustainability must be fully integrated into the HR agenda, with the ‘social’ dimension (as part of ESG) playing a central role. With these responsibilities combined, HR will become a key driver in ensuring that people strategy is not only aligned with, but actively propels, long-term business success.
Q As a speaker at #TransformTalentTH, what key message or call-to-action do you hope your session will leave with attendees?
Leadership starts with knowing your purpose — understanding what you do, why you do it, and who you do it for. From that clarity, comes the courage to make the right choices, even when they are not the easiest.
Building resilient organisations requires leaders who are committed to creating meaningful and sustainable changes, not for procedural compliance, but also for the benefits of their people and the long-term health of the business.
My call to action is simple: Lead with purpose, act with empathy, and be brave enough to make a difference.
I want to attend the conference: If you're keen to attend this closed-door conference, kindly register your interest here. For speaking opportunities, please write in to Mary Ann Bundukin. We look forward to welcoming you!
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