Ruangroj Poonpol, group chairman of Kasikorn Business Technology Group (KBTG), was named Chief Information and Technology Leader of the Year 2024 by The Asian Banker in recognition of his transformative leadership and significant contributions to financial technology in Asia Pacific.

Chris Kapfer, research director of TABInsights, said: “Under his transformative leadership, Kasikorn Group in Thailand has become a beacon of innovation and stability in the region, modernising infrastructure, spearheading advanced digital solutions and establishing it as one of the most progressive and technologically resilient financial institutions.”

Under Poonpol’s leadership, Kasikorn Group developed new data centres, and spearheaded artificial intelligence and automation projects. He guided the development of a hybrid cloud strategy and the implementation of new systems in digital lending and data science.

Kapfer added: “These year-long transformational projects have yielded strong results and have led to significant improvements in efficiency, resilience, operational productivity, customer experience, and business growth.”

Crediting his team, Poonpol remarked: “This recognition serves as both validation and motivation, and inspires us at Kasikorn Group and KBTG to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence in the world of financial technologies.”

Acknowledging the influence of Banthoon Lamsam, the group’s chairman emeritus who received The Asian Banker’s William ‘Bill’ Seidman Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2021, Poonpol said: “That inspired me to be better and do better for my company every time.”

Poonpol expanded operations of the Kasikorn Group, securing its position as Thailand’s most stable bank for the fourth consecutive year.

The award not only celebrates Poonpol’s past achievements but also sets the benchmark for innovation in financial technology.

Poonpol reminded the audience: “Regardless of the progress of technology, we always need to keep humans in the loop.”