One of Asia’s richest families, the Chearavanonts control the Charoen Pokphand Group, the world’s leading producer of animal feed and livestock. The Thai family’s list of companies includes insurance giant Ping and CP All, which operates under the 7-Eleven banner in Thailand. The business was started by brothers Chia Ek Chor and Choncharoen Chiaravanont, who imported seeds from China in 1921.
Today, Chia ek Chor’s four sons, Dhanin, Jaran, Montri and Sumet, along with other relatives share a wealth estimated at $29.5 billion through the family business. Dhanin Chearavanont was appointed the company’s Chairman and CEO in 1969, holding the position until 2017. He remains the Group’s Senior Chairman. Dhanin’s older brother, Sumet Chearavanont, serves as the group’s Executive Chairman, in addition to chairing its Chinese subsidiary Chia Tai Group. Sumet’s son, Chatchaval, bought Fortune magazine in 2018 for a reported $150 million. Dhanin’s brother, Montri Chearavanont, is an honorary Chairman and Director of the family’s group, while oldest brother Jaran, who used to manage the family’s feed shop in the 50s, shares in the wealth with a nearly 13 per cent stake.
Representing the family’s third generation of leadership, Dhanin’s eldest son, Soopakij Chearavanout, is Charoen Pokphand’s Chairman. His brother, Suphachai Chearavanout, serves as the CEO of the company that now spans telecommunications, real estate and financial services in 21 countries.
