Financial journal The Asian Banker has presented an award to Kasikornbank (KBank) chairman emeritus Banthoon Lamsam for "lifetime achievement in leadership in the financial services industry".
He is the first leader of a Thai financial institution to receive the award, which is based on selection by accomplished veterans of the Asian financial and banking industry.
Award recipients must possess a concise long-term vision that has paved the way for their organisations to become more stable and sustainable.
Additionally, they have fine-tuned related business strategies and promoted a collaborative management approach in helping steer their organisations towards the right direction in a unified manner.
The award is also bestowed upon those leaders who have raised the bar for success in the financial services industry. Previous recipients of this award have made considerable contributions to establishing their organisations, and in some cases even creating an entire industry in their home country.
Past recipients include Zhou Xiaochuan, former governor of People's Bank of China; Zeti Akhtar Aziz, former governor of Bank Negara Malaysia; Amando M Tetangco Jr, former governor of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; and Liu Mingkang, former chairman of China Banking Regulatory Commission.
The Council of Advisors of the Leadership Achievement Awards observed that Mr Banthoon displayed visionary and strategic leadership during his 40-year career at KBank.
The journal said throughout Mr Banthoon's tenure at the helm of KBank, it has been transformed into an exemplary organisation that has gained wide acceptance and recognition, and the bank has proven able to navigate a series of crises and challenges.