Meet Anne Jakrajutatip, the first woman to own the Miss Universe pageant

Anneta KonstantinidesJan 14, 2024, 16:07 IST

Anne Jakrajutatip is the current owner of Miss Universe.Josh Brasted/Getty Images

Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip became the first woman to own Miss Universe in October 2022.
She said she was inspired by Angela Ponce, who was the first trans woman to compete in the pageant.

Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip made history when she purchased Miss Universe in October 2022, making her the first woman to own the organization since it began in 1952.

Jakrajutatip has since ushered in some big changes at the pageant, including allowing all women aged 18 and over to compete.

It's been a long road to success for the Thailand businesswoman, who turned her family's declining video-rental store into the multimillion-dollar company JKN Global Group.

Here's how Jakrajutatip made her way to the top spot at Miss Universe.

Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip was born and raised in Bangkok, where she struggled with her gender identity from an early age.

Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip was born in Bangkok, Thailand.Courtesy of Miss Universe

Jakrajutatip attended university in Sydney, Australia, before returning home to take over her parents' video-rental business.

Jakrajutatip took over her parents' video-rental store when she was 21. Courtesy of Miss Universe

Jakrajutatip turned her parents' store into a content distribution empire.

Jakrajutatip turned her parents' video store into a multimillion-dollar company. Hector Vivas/Getty Images

Jakrajutatip expanded JKN Global as she launched beauty lines and bought TV channels in Thailand.

Jakrajutatip counts Oprah Winfrey as her biggest inspiration.Courtesy of Miss Universe

In 2018, Jakrajutatip launched a nonprofit to support transgender people. Two years later, she underwent gender confirmation surgery.

Anne Jakrajutatip has two children.LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images

Jakrajutatip knew she wanted to own Miss Universe after she saw Miss Spain 2018 Angela Ponce make history.

Miss Spain Angela Ponce during the national costume competition at the 2018 Miss Universe pageant.LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images

Jakrajutatip bought Miss Universe for $20 million in October 2022.

Jakrajutatip with Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel.Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust

But there have been bumps in the road for Jakrajutatip, whose company recently filed a "business rehabilitation" petition.

Jakrajutatip with Miss Universe President Paula Shugart (left) and Miss Universe CEO Amy Emmerich (right) during the Miss Universe Extravaganza in Bangkok on November 7, 2022.LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images

The second Miss Universe with Jakrajutatip as owner is taking place on Saturday.

Miss Canada during the Miss Universe national costume contest in November 2023.Hector Vivas/Getty Images

Meet the 6 Miss Universe 2023 contestants who are making the pageant more inclusive

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