EXPERIENCE OVER EVERYTHING

Chart Chirathivat brings curiosity and culture to Europe's luxury department stores

- STORY: THANA BOONLERT

Chart Chirathivat, chief commercial officer.

For a man who sells experience, curiosity is key to staying new.

Dressed in a black cardigan and without a tie, Chart Chirathivat blushed at an unexpected compliment about being smart, joking that wisps of grey hair give away his age. Following Central Group's acquisition of Selfridges Group in 2022, the third generation of the Chirathivat family moved to London to oversee retail expansion in Europe.

"I volunteered for it," he laughed. "I enjoy doing new things."

Chart is the fourth person in his family to run a business in Europe, which accounts for 25% of the group's operations. He said he is always open to new experiences, whether in work or in life. "I always tell my children to try new food to know if they like it," he noted. Still, there are personal values that stand the test of time.

Chart is half Thai and half British. Like other siblings in his large family, he did many jobs, such as wrapping gifts and cutting magazine covers, at Central Chidlom. At the same time, he visited his grandparents in England every year and tagged along with his father on overseas trips.

"I grew up in two worlds, which makes me comfortable with different cultures. And that might be the reason why I am here," he said.

Business is in his DNA. After completing a bachelor's degree in economics, he pursued a master's degree in the same field at Insead in France, where he deepened his knowledge and international outlook. He has been involved in Central Group, contributing to key projects such as Central Embassy, Central Phuket Floresta and Dusit Central Park.