MGI CEO Nawat Itsaragrisil is Miss Universe's new Executive Director
The Miss Universe Organization has appointed Miss Grand International CEO Nawat Itsaragrisil as its new executive director.
On Instagram, Miss Universe Thailand congratulated Itsaragrisil on his new position on April 23.
"His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication continue to elevate the standards of pageantry across the Universe," the caption read.
Miss Grand International 2024 1st runner-up CJ Opiaza celebrated Itsaragrisil in an Instagram story following the announcement.
"Congratulations papa," she wrote.
The announcement came months after Nawat secured a five-year license to organize Miss Universe Thailand.
During that time, the newly established social media account of Miss Universe Thailand released photos of Nawat with Miss Universe Organization CEO Anne Jakrajutatip at its Feb. 18 press conference in Bangkok, calling it a "historic moment" and the "dawn of a new era for Thai pageantry."
Itsaragrisil is a businessman and TV personality known for hosting Exhibition Show and Kon Thueng Chan. He also served as the director and executive producer of Miss Thailand World from 2007 and 2012 before he started Miss Grand International.
Denmark's Victoria Theilvig is the current reigning Miss Universe after winning the crown in November 2024 in Mexico. The Philippines' Chelsea Manalo finished in the Top 30 and was named the first Miss Universe Asia.
The grand coronation night of Miss Universe 2025 will happen on Nov. 21 at the Impact Muong Thong Thani Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
