Early Life
Dhanin Chearavanont was born on April 19, 1939, in Bangkok, Thailand. He is the youngest of four sons born to Chinese immigrants who started a seed trading business in the 1920s. Dhanin attended primary school in Thailand and continued his secondary education in China and Hong Kong. At age 17, he stopped his formal studies.
Rise to Success
Dhanin took the helm of the Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) around the age of 25, in 1964, expanding the family's seed trading business into animal feed production. Under his leadership, CP Group adopted a vertically integrated model in the 1970s, integrating feed production, farming, and food processing. This strategy enabled the company to become a leader in the agribusiness sector. His focus on innovation and strategic partnerships, including collaborations with companies like Arbor Acres, helped CP Group to grow rapidly. The company expanded into various sectors such as retail, telecommunications, and real estate.
Key Business Strategies
Dhanin's business philosophy centers around the "Three Benefits Principle", which mandates that all operations benefit the nation, the company, and consumers. This principle has guided CP Group's expansion into numerous markets. Dhanin has been credited with successfully expanding CP Group into China, making it the largest foreign land lessee there.
Philanthropy
Dhanin Chearavanont is also recognized for his philanthropic endeavors. He donated $21.8 million to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Thailand. He has supported various educational initiatives, child welfare, and Buddhist causes.
