Boonklee turns hand to consultancy

Telecom Reporters

The Nation

Boonklee has set up Icon Management, of which he is the only employee, to provide a management consultancy service.

A telecom industry source said the company's major customers included trading firm Berli Jucker, run by liquor tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, and King Power, the airport duty-free operator.

Boonklee set up the firm after resigning his directorship from the Shin board on April 1. Its establishment demonstrates his intention to continue capitalising on his management skills.

But his company will only work with non-telecom businesses to avoid any connection with the politics-associated industry.

Shin was founded by the family of the ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The telecom tycoon entrusted Boonklee to manage his telecom empire when Thaksin entered politics.

Berli Jucker is 75.04 per cent-owned by TCC Holdings, which is wholly owned by the Sirivadhanabhakdi family.

The source said Berli Jucker management approached Icon to be its management consultant because Boonklee's skill and knowledge impressed them. During his stint at Shin, Boonklee was invited to give lectures and share his experience with many companies, including Berli Jucker.