The management team consists of multi-generational professionals whose expertise is rivaled only by the passion and enthusiasm they bring to their work. Over the years, their perspective and ability to collaborate with each other is enhanced as each member acquires different layers of experience and skills across a broad spectrum of industries and responsibilities.
Building on Solid Foundations
KPN Group’s rich heritage – with businesses as diverse as automotive manufacturing to logistics – has given it rock solid foundations for sustainable growth, as the Group focuses its energy on three distinct areas: Property, Education and Investments.
A tribute to the careful and prudent management of founders Khunying Phornthip Narongdej and Dr. Kasem Narongdej, each of these three pillars bare the hallmarks of a proud and successful past.
In Property, a strong base of land banks across Bangkok – thoughtfully acquired over several decades – are now being leveraged to grow the business. This gives the Group a head start over other developers who start with few property assets, and offers buyers of KPN projects the chance to live and invest in some of the city’s most desirable locales.
This strategy has translated into all five of the Group’s projects being well received by the market, exceeding sales expectations in all cases. Plans are progressing for the business’ next phase of growth, with larger scale projects and increased unit volume.
Similarly, the Education business owes its roots to the passionate involvement of both Khunying Phornthip and Dr. Kasem in this area, allowing their sons Kris, Nop and Korn to grow and contribute to their legacy.
It is a business that presents ample room for growth, with KPN Group’s lofty ambition to contribute to improvements in Thailand’s overall education rankings. Overseen by a strong management team that includes both new talent and experienced executives, growth will be achieved both organically, and through appropriate acquisitions or forming business partnerships. Recent expansion into sport, recreation and academic areas will continue to be a focus.
In Investments, the Group’s evolving identity as a diverse conglomerate means Khunying Phornthip and Dr. Kasem developed a flexible and nimble way of applying their expertise. They succeeded by engaging experts in a variety of different fields, and trusting their advice over many years; a legacy that has continued with the family’s next generation.
Today, the Investments business represents significant new opportunities for the Group, with many ventures still in their beginning stages. Through this business, KPN analyses and tests the potential of future growth areas; an example is the promising Food sector, in which the Group has enjoyed early success through Kagonoya, a Japanese shabu and kaiseki restaurant chain.
The prudent management that underlies each of these three businesses is exemplified by KPN Group CEO Nuttawut Phowborom, a 19 year company veteran. In his former role as Group CFO, Nuttawut’s approach was deliberately conservative. He didn’t believe in fads or untested innovations, instead arguing the merits of tried and tested financial instruments, each of which had their right place and time.
This is an approach continued by Nuttawut in the overall management of KPN Group, with a steadfast focus on strong fundamentals and achieving the right balance of growth and sustainability. By maintaining a good balance sheet, consistent sales growth, and expanding profit margin, KPN Group continues to enjoy growth that is both rapid and – most importantly – within its means.
KPN Land
KPN Group’s property business started small, and gained an enviable reputation for an unmatched artisanal quality. Through the success of The Cadogan Private Residences, Vincente, The Capital and The Diplomat, KPN developments have become known for their innovative design and lifestyle offerings, inspired by international best practice.
The Group is expected to enjoy significant growth in this business over the short, medium and long term, with CEO Nuttawut Phowborom aiming to triple project value over the next five years. KPN will both utilize existing land banks and acquire new land for future developments, facilitating diversification into new product lines – particularly those targeting the middle and upper income groups.
KPN Group’s property business is truly diverse, with the portfolio also including the KPN Property Fund (KPNPF: Bangkok), created to invest in freehold land.
Completing the collection is KPN Tower, located in the prime Bangkok location of Rama IX road. With 27 floors of prime office space, KPN Tower also features function rooms with a capacity of up to 500 people.