Cheyenne Suarez

Miss Grand Int'l founder is new executive director of Miss Universe

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<p>Miss Grand International founder Nawat Itsaragrisil is now playing a bigger role in the Miss Universe Organization (MUO). </p><p>The Thai entrepreneur has been appointed as executive director of MUO, as announced on the Instagram page of Miss Universe Thailand (MUT) on Wednesday. </p><p>&quot;His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication continue to elevate the standards of pageantry across the Universe,&quot; the post read.</p><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-1" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DIxuEX5zGbV/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A23508650.800000004%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="879" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-1" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Itsaragrisil acquired the MUT franchise earlier this year, a move that was seen as a &quot;new era&quot; in pageantry. </p><p>The crossover marked the start of a collaboration with his former competitor and fellow Thai Anne Jakrajutatip, who co-owns MUO.</p><p>&quot;I firmly believe that MUO and MGI will work hand in hand with strong commitment to create and empower women, as well as inspire people around the world,&quot; Jakrajutatip earlier said in Thai, as translated by MUT. </p><p>&quot;Through this collaboration, we will launch new partnerships and projects that will soon be introduced to audiences both in Thailand and worldwide.&quot;</p><p>Itsaragrisil&#x27;s appointment as MUO executive director was met with support, with even MGI chief operations officer Teresa Yuphayao Chaivisut extending her congratulations.</p><p>Filipina beauty queen CJ Opiaza, who finished first runner-up in last year&#x27;s MGI, also expressed her excitement for the Thai entrepreneur. &quot;Congratulations, Papa [Nawat],&quot; she said on Instagram Stories as she reposted the announcement. </p><p>Thailand is hosting the 74th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, which will be held in November.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2025/2/19/-new-era-in-pageantry-as-miss-grand-founder-acquires-miss-universe-thailand-franchise-1253">&#x27;New era&#x27; in pageantry as Miss Grand founder acquires Miss Universe Thailand franchise</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/3/14/reigning-miss-universe-miss-grand-international-queens-together-in-thailand-1327">Reigning Miss Universe, Miss Grand International queens together in Thailand</a></div>

<p>Miss Grand International founder Nawat Itsaragrisil is now playing a bigger role in the Miss Universe Organization.</p>

Miss Grand International founder Nawat Itsaragrisil is now playing a bigger role in the Miss Universe Organization.