Dr. Ausanee Mahagitsiri Leonio, President of KFU Company Limited, stands at the forefront of leadership and innovation in Thailand’s competitive baked goods and coffee sector. With a deep commitment to business excellence and corporate social responsibility (CSR), she has transformed KFU into an industry leader, managing beloved brands like Krispy Kreme, Cinnabon, and Pie Face.
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A Strong Foundation in Education and Leadership
Born in Bangkok, Dr. Ausanee holds multiple degrees, including a Doctorate of Business Administration, blending academic expertise with hands-on experience. Her leadership approach, shaped by collaboration, empathy, and adaptability, has driven KFU’s remarkable growth, marked by successful store openings, product innovations, and high customer satisfaction.
Championing CSR and Ethical Business Practices
Beyond financial success, Dr. Ausanee has embedded CSR initiatives into KFU’s core values, ensuring the company actively contributes to community development and ethical business practices. She believes true success lies in balancing personal, family, and societal commitments, setting KFU apart as a business that creates holistic value for customers, employees, and the broader community.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
Navigating challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic tested Dr. Ausanee’s leadership, demanding quick, strategic decisions to sustain operations. Her resilience and adaptability helped the company overcome store closures and the shift to remote work, reinforcing her ability to lead with poise under pressure.
Investing in People and Professional Growth
With a workforce of approximately 677 employees, KFU prioritises employee well-being and development. The company offers training in food safety, beverage preparation, customer service, and production, ensuring quality and excellence. Dr. Ausanee’s empowering leadership style encourages collaboration, fostering a work culture where employees thrive.
Inspired by Strong Family Values
Influenced by her parents, particularly her father, Dr. Ausanee upholds values of hard work, integrity, and work-life balance. She believes leadership has evolved from a top-down model to one where leaders serve as mentors, guiding teams toward shared success.
Recognised as an Outstanding Leader in Asia
Winning the ACES Award as one of Asia’s Outstanding Leaders affirms Dr. Ausanee’s dedication to excellence and sustainability. For her, this recognition not only celebrates KFU’s achievements but also inspires the business community to embrace CSR and sustainable practices, proving that business success and social responsibility can go hand in hand.
