Description

The AMCHAM Member Luncheon will bring together influential leaders from technology, logistics, and organizational transformation to explore how leadership, innovation, and workforce development are shaping the future of Thailand’s economy. Featuring insights from senior executives Nathalita Poopirom, Site Managing Director of Western Digital, Larry Chao, Managing Director of Chao Group, and Anothai Wettayakorn, Managing Director of IBM, the session will provide practical perspectives on leading through change, developing talent, driving operational excellence, and building adaptable organizations that are prepared for the future workforce.

Drawing on decades of experience in global supply chains, technology manufacturing, and leadership consulting, the speakers will share lessons from managing complex operations, leading regional transformation initiatives, and navigating change in rapidly evolving industries.
 
The event will also be an opportunity to meet our AMCHAM Thailand Foundation scholarship recipients graduating in the 2025–2026 academic year.
 
About the Speakers
 
Nathalita Poopirom is the Site Managing Director of Western Digital. She leads HDD manufacturing operations at Western Digital in Bang Pha-In, Ayutthaya, overseeing a workforce of 5,000+ employees, with a strong focus on operational excellence and people engagement. She brings over 26 years of leadership experience across IBM, Hitachi/HGST, and Western Digital, with expertise spanning Finance, Treasury, Planning, and Global Operations, including international assignments in the U.S. and Singapore. Nathalita serves on the board of WD Thailand and is recognized for building resilient, high-performing operations through major disruptions. She is passionate about developing talent and future-ready capabilities for the AI era, while fostering strong engagement and collaboration.
 
Larry Chao is the Managing Director of Chao Group. He established Chao Group in 1995 in Bangkok Thailand and New York. Chao Group specializes in organization transformation, leadership development, and aligning top management teams. For the past 30 years, Chao Group has worked with multinationals, local conglomerates, and professional services clients, assisting their leaders and managers shift mindset, adapt and deal with change.
 
Larry has delivered nearly 800 management workshops and programs in over 20 countries for the last 30 years and counting. He has worked in numerous business sectors including, finance, consumer products, manufacturing, technology, professional services, retail, hospitality.
 
Prior to setting up Chao Group Limited in Bangkok in 1995, Larry was a management consultant with McKinsey & Company (NYC), an organization change manager with Accenture (NYC) and led the organization development function with Unilever Thailand. Larry has been a regular columnist for the English-speaking newspaper in Thailand, as well as a guest on CNBC and BBC on the topics of management and organization change in Asia. 

Anothai Wettayakorn is the Managing Director of IBM Thailand, a position he has held since 2024. With more than three decades of experience in the information technology industry, he has built a distinguished career leading business transformation, digital innovation, and technology growth across Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region.

Prior to joining IBM, Anothai spent nearly two decades with Dell Technologies, where he held several senior leadership roles, including Vice President for Asia Emerging Markets and Managing Director for Thailand and Indochina. Earlier in his career, he spent ten years with Hewlett-Packard and Compaq, further strengthening his expertise in technology leadership and business development.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Anothai is actively involved in advancing Thailand’s digital ecosystem. He serves on the boards of the Raks Thai Foundation and the Association of Thai ICT Industry, and is an advisor to the St. Gabriel Foundation. A recognized technology thought leader, he regularly speaks at industry forums and contributes to initiatives that promote digital skills development and innovation. He also collaborates with organizations and academic institutions, including the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), Burapha University, Chiang Mai University, and King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, to help prepare future generations of Thai digital talent.