Miss Universe Organization is no longer American…

After a long months of speculation, the news finally broke. Miss Universe Organization changes ownership. JKN Global Group takes over the ownership of The Miss Universe Organization from IMG. The official announcement came after the rumor a billionaire from Thailand was interested in buying Miss Universe. There were rumours also that IMG was allegedly selling it for $20 million.

Amidst all the speculations, Chief Executive Officer of JKN Global Group Public Company Limited, Anne Jakrajutatip, has now been confirmed as the new owner of the Miss Universe Organization. They have taken over from IMG.

The Thai transgender businesswoman, also known as Anne JKN, made the official announcement on her official social media with this caption.

 

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Une publication partagée par Anne Jakrajutatip | แอน จักรพงษ์ (@annejkn.official)

The new owner set up the Life Inspired For Transsexual Foundation (LIFT) to advocate for the rights to dignity and opportunities for transgendered people.

JKN is a Thai-owned media and content conglomerate. The JKN press release states, “The transaction expands JKN Global Group’s (“JKN”) portfolio of broadcast and entertainment properties to become a world-leading omnichannel powerhouse. The acquisition will seek to build on The Miss Universe Organization’s more than 70-year legacy, including expanded investment in licensing and merchandising opportunities. With today’s announcement, JKN chief executive officer Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip becomes the first woman owner in The Miss Universe Organization’s history.”

JKN will build on The Miss Universe Organization’s strong brand and vision, developing an integrated and compelling proposition with new opportunities to grow the business in key and untapped markets, including Asia.

Today’s announcement together with recent rule changes to create greater competitor eligibility further propels the organization’s commitment to inclusivity, with JKN Global Group’s chief executive officer Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip becoming the first woman owner of The Miss Universe Organization.

Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip, CEO of JKN Global Group, and the first woman owner of The Miss Universe Organization

During the announcement, JKN shared its plans for generating additional value based on the natural strength of the Miss Universe (MU) brand, including the upcoming debut of MU Lifestyle: a new licensing and merchandising arm of The Miss Universe Organization that will leverage the strength of the Miss Universe brand and JKN’s lifestyle portfolio to create a new range of merchandise, as well as entertainment and various business opportunities that reflect the strength of the brand.

Jakrajutatip expressed: “We are incredibly honored to be acquiring The Miss Universe Organization and working with its visionary leadership team. The global reach of the Organization, its relationships with global partners and brands, and its wealth of content, licensing, and merchandising opportunities make this a strong, strategic addition to our portfolio.We seek not only to continue its legacy of providing a platform to passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and traditions, but also to evolve the brand for the next generation.”

Led by CEO Amy Emmerich and President Paula Shugart, the Miss Universe Organization provides a global platform for more than 10,000 women annually to affect positive change through dedicated personal, professional, and philanthropic activities around the world.

Amy Emmerich, Chief Executive Officer, and Paula Shugart, President, of The Miss Universe Organization shared: “We are excited to continue the evolution of The Miss Universe Organization with JKN. Our relationships with global partners and brands have never been stronger; and our progressive approach continues to position us at the forefront of our industry. We would like to thank IMG for providing us a foundation to realize our aspirations for the brand.“

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) is an international, inclusive organization that celebrates women of all backgrounds, cultures, and traditions, and exists to advocate for a future forged by women and good for all. At 71 years, MISS UNIVERSE® is one of the longest-running and most-watched competitions in the world, broadcast in 165 countries worldwide and seen by more than half a billion people annually.