Central Pattana Plc. has announced the appointment of Chanavat Uahwatanasakul as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Stepping into the role as the company enters its next growth phase, the new chief executive will focus on sustainable urban development, future cities, and long-term value creation.
Chanavat, a member of the Chirathivat family, brings over 20 years of experience in real estate development, retail, and strategic business transformation. His leadership is aimed at executing a long-term commitment to developing destinations that drive economic growth, enhance quality of life, and strengthen the competitiveness of cities and communities.
The new CEO will lead Central Pattana by building on the company’s 45-year track record, consumer insights, large-scale development expertise, and business partner network. The corporate mission under his tenure is to strengthen Central Pattana’s role as a platform connecting businesses, communities, and cities, while generating sustainable value for Thailand’s economy.
“Central Pattana has always believed that meaningful development extends beyond physical infrastructure,”Chanavat stated, noting that his mission involves creating mutual growth opportunities for businesses, communities, and cities. He emphasized that the company will combine development expertise, strategic partnerships, and innovation to advance its core purpose of “Imagining better futures for all.”
During his 20-year tenure with Central Pattana and Central Group, Chanavat has managed several landmark developments. His portfolio includes leading the transformation of CentralWorld into a major lifestyle and commercial destination in Bangkok, and pioneering semi-outdoor retail formats like Central Eastville. He also oversaw sustainability-focused projects, including Central Westville and Central Krabi, which won the Eco-Friendly Mall of the Year award at the Retail Asia Awards in 2025 and 2026.
Most recently, Central Park received the New Mall of the Year award at the Retail Asia Awards 2026. Projects under his management have also received recognition from global organizations such as the World Architecture Festival, MIPIM Asia, and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).
A key priority for the new CEO’s mission is evolving the company from a traditional real estate developer into an integrated ecosystem platform that connects people, businesses, partners, and cities.
“The strength of Central Pattana has always come from the network of stakeholders who grow alongside us,” Chanavat said. His strategic focus centers on strengthening these connections and utilizing AI and digital transformation to deliver seamless customer experiences, improve internal operational efficiency, and optimize collaboration with tenants and partners.
Under his leadership, Central Pattana will continue executing its THB 110 billion five-year investment plan (2026-2030). The pipeline features major mixed-use developments designed to support next-generation urban growth.
Key projects in this pipeline include a 750-rai mixed-use project in Rangsit, which will serve as one of Thailand’s largest future urban districts. Additionally, the company is advancing Central GR9 to develop Rama 9 into Bangkok’s next central business district, alongside The Central District, which will connect the Ladprao–Phaholyothin corridor into a major urban hub in northern Bangkok.
As Chanavat drives this next chapter, Central Pattana intends to leverage its development capabilities and digital technologies to establish integrated ecosystems, supporting its goal of becoming a global platform for urban lifestyle and mixed-use developments.
Chanavat holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Chulalongkorn University, a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California, and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
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