The name of Sean Christopher Hill may not be familiar to Thai people. But his good looks and easy-going, down-to-earth and humorous personality make him as attractive as a celebrity.
He is part of the new generation of the Chirathivat family, one of the country's richest families ranked by Forbes magazine, and works as a lawyer.
A son of Suvimol, an elder daughter of Central Group's founder Samrit Chirathivat, the 34-year-old is among the family members involved in Central's new business chapter in Europe.
Central bought La Rinascente, the 150-year-old Italian department store chain, in 2011, and then Illum, the 120-year-old Danish department store, last month.
Initially, Mr Hill, who is now in charge of international retail expansion, never thought of working in his family business as he had spent most of life in the United States. But the Thai-American volunteered to help once he learned that his uncle Tos, chief executive of Central Retail Corporation (CRC), would take over La Rinascente.
"When my uncle Tos told me about his overseas development, I knew that I wanted to be a part of it," Mr Hill said.
"To help Central with its first expansion into Europe and to work and learn from the team, which turned around the most important department store in Italy, was a challenge that I wanted to take on."
Even though he had never worked for the family, he always stayed up to date with new developments and discussed business with his relatives.
More importantly, he has as his mentors his two uncles, Tos and Prin, who have been key figures in ensuring that CRC remains at the forefront of the Asean retail industry.
Mr Hill looks at Mr Tos as a visionary with a very sharp mind.
"With Khun Tos, I have learned to always keep in mind how details play into the big picture, never to walk away from a challenge and that the only way to achieve positive results is to work hard," he said.
Mr Prin, chief financial officer of Central Group, knows how to maximise value and assess risk. "I also learned from Khun Prin to pay attention to details and always ask questions," Mr Hill said.
The most important figure who inspired him is his beloved grandfather, Samrit, whose business management impressed him from an early age.
Mr Hill said being a lawyer helps him in the retail business because he is learning new cases or transactions all the time. Moreover, lawyers have to understand clients before tailoring services to meet their needs.
"Working with La Rinascente is not different. When I arrived, I spent the first few months learning about different functions and roles that make up the operations," he said.
"Considering I'm working in Italy, I have to focus on learning the language and attending sales and management meetings where only the Italian language is used.
"I have learned a great deal about Italian business and culture during my time here. We also have to understand all the laws when we go to different cities. Even in Denmark, it's different from Italy.
"I'm also very happy to have recently closed my first deal to buy Illum department store, which is publicly referred as the Harrods of Copenhagen."
The Illum acquisition will also support La Rinascente, allowing both department stores to pool synergies.
After 18 months working at La Rinascente, Mr Hill said he is very happy with his decision to work with Central Group.
Despite the economic slowdown in Europe, the performance of La Rinascente has gradually improved.
After the business changed hands, the brand has been repositioned towards the premium market. At its branch in Piazza del Duomo in Milan, the company has transformed the store's facade and special services are provided. Customers can make their own perfume at the Chanel counter, while a Moet & Chandon flute is free of charge if customers decide to have a manicure at Champagne Nail Bar.
There are 12 La Rinascente stores in Italy, while two more will be opened in Rome and Venice in 2015.
"We intend to open at least one new retail project each year. We are evaluating many types of opportunities in Europe that will best fit our business plan. Importantly, each location should have a large population and tourist numbers," Mr Hill said.
He says there is no point in setting a goal for yourself if you are only going to give 80%.
"In fact, you have to give 150%. This is something drilled into me by my parents and the rest of my family," he said.
"When I have what I regard as an accomplishment, my parents always point out that more could have been done. They stress the importance of pushing yourself.
"You only have more to learn by going beyond what is expected."