Bangkok Post: The world windows to Thailand

INDUSTRY MOVES

Pioneering IT executive Natasak Rodjanapiches is leaving Oracle Thailand after more than 13 years with the company.

Natasak, Oracle's regional managing director for the Asean region, said he will leave the company by the end of May.

He has 23 years' experience in the IT industry and has been with Oracle Thailand since 1997. He will now take a break to "recharge my batteries" before pursuing further projects.

"IT industry change is very dynamic and I believe companies are very interested in building new business in Thailand," said Natasak.

He said that in the remainder of his time at Oracle, he will continue to drive business growth, which is doing well as of results from the end of November.

Until Natasak's replacement is appointed. K. Raman, Managing Director, Oracle Corporation Malaysia, will take over his responsibilities.

In Oracle's business strategy, the company will continue to add more value to its customers, through developments such as Sun Microsystems's acquisition, which delivers open and integrated systems, from applications to disks.

The Oracle + Sun Strategy Update in Software and Hardware to its partners and customers will be made on Mar 9 at the company's Bangkok office.

An industry source said Oracle has struggled to fill the Thailand Managing Director position after Natasak was promoted to Asean level in mid 2006, leaving him to be responsible for two positions at the same time.

Another source, from a local pioneer house, said rapid changes in technology have accounted for an average management age oft 30-50 years old nowadays, compared to an average of nearly 60 in the past.

"Once [managers] have reached a certain level in a the maturing company, and when they are approaching 50 years old, their salaries will no longer be their highest priority." said the source.

"These executives will instead look for other challenges which involve more policy and consulting work, away from routine business."