Over the last two decades, the HR function has undergone a remarkable transformation and is not anymore just limited to the core HR process. Today, HR is also a sponsor of change management, managing organizational transformation while ensuring all the policies as well as strategies are in place. An HR leader with over two and a half decades of extensive experience in the industry, Charaspak Karnplumchit initially worked in the IT sector before a career shift to the HR department at AIS. After that career-defining move, she has worked with some of the biggest conglomerates as well as startups in Thailand, helping businesses grow hand-in-hand with people development. In her current role as the Head of HR at Coca-Cola Thainamthip, she is helping the well-established firm navigate its next chapter of growth by equipping its people with the skills they need to thrive.

In an exclusive interview with The Global Woman Leader, Charaspak Karnplumchit sheds light on her overall professional experience, her roles and responsibilities at Coca-Cola Thainamthip, and much more.

Give us a glimpse of your expansive professional journey in the field of Human Resources.

As a first-born child, I was raised to be a self-leader when it comes to making decisions regarding my education or career goal. I studied in the US for eight years, where I did a Master's in International Marketing and another in IT. Later, I also worked in San Diego for two years. My decade-long extensive experience in the US groomed me to be an independent person. Later, I returned to Thailand and joined AIS, the largest telecommunications company in Thailand, where they assigned me to the HR department. The firm used to invest a lot in the best tools from world-class consultants to modernize and enhance the capability of its HRD team.

One of the major career-defining moments was when I became a certified trainer in 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People', a guiding principle that I have been living my life through since then. After working for seven years at AIS, I joined Siemens Thailand as an HR-Regional. Later, I joined a consulting firm in Thailand, where I stepped into a more sophisticated segment in the HR sector as a consultant. After over four years as a consultant, I joined Central Group, a leader in retail business, that consists of a variety of diverse investments locally and internationally.

"HR Is The Mediator That Translates Business Strategies Into Execution Through People"

After eight years at the Central Group, I decided to take up the challenging role of a Group Partner for a Startup firm, Flash Express, establishing HR functions and supporting business projects to become the first Thailand Startup Unicorn within three years. After over four years at Flash Express, I transitioned back to the world of well-established industry leaders, taking up the role of Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Coca-Cola Thainamthip Thailand in 2023.

Introduce us to Coca-Cola Thainamthip. Throw some light on the key responsibilities you shoulder as the Head of HR at Coca- Cola Thainamthip.

As the leading beverage company in Thailand, Thainamthip has been a bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company for 65 years, with a workforce of more than 8,000 associates. My responsibilities at the firm cover the HR core area which is under transformation period, including looking after the entire facility of all our plants and offices nationwide.

Thainamthip has embarked on an exciting new chapter of growth and in order to make sure that our people — Khon Thainamthip — are well-equipped for the future, we are renewing many aspects of HR process, policies, technology, and HR capabilities, the primary focus of my team will be supporting business growth, strengthening Employer Branding, enhancing work efficiency through a new digital HR system, improving alignment, and institutionalizing the team through a value-driven core.

Throw some light on the major challenges you encounter as an HR leader in today’s business climate and how you mitigate them.

Some of the most common challenges faced by HR leaders include dealing with talent shortages as well as employee engagement. Fortunately, at Coca-Cola Thainamthip, our employee engagement score is extremely high, as we strive to ensure a healthy work-life balance as well as an inclusive work culture for our employees, something highly valued by the younger generations. Also, as an organization, we all want to accelerate growth and optimize the use of resources for cost efficiency.

In today’s tumultuous business landscape, how can HR leaders ensure the success of their respective organizations?

In today's era, where a fast rate of change and progress is the new normal, the role of HR has evolved significantly and is no longer just restricted to individual functions but more of integration. Today, HRs must spearhead new initiatives that help accelerate business performance in short-term and long-term plans. In general, HR leaders are supposed to help executives navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape by preparing a strong talent pipeline, rejuvenating capability and Corporate Culture to be in line with the new business arena, leveraging technology, and building digital platforms to help streamline HR processes and enhance productivity.

Charaspak Karnplumchit, Head Of HR, Coca-Cola Thainamthip

An accomplished HR leader with extensive industry experience of over two and a half decades working in various senior and leadership roles with some of the biggest conglomerates in Thailand, Charaspak Karnplumchit started her career in IT before shifting to HR with AIS. Her extensive career graph includes working experience in both MNCs as well as startups with a proven track record of establishing successful businesses. Currently, she works as the Head of HR for Coca-Cola Thainamthip.

Educational Qualification: Master's Degree in Business Administration majoring in International Business from San Diego University and Master's Degree in Technology for Learning from USIU, San Diego, USA

Awards of Recognitions won so far:

1st class honor in Master’s Degree - IT

Excellence in Crisis Management and Recovery from HR Excellence Award 2022

Excellence in HR Through Technology from World HRD Congress 2021