Anne Jakrajutatip steps down from JKN, Miss Universe Org role in limbo

Embattled MUO CEO Anne Jakrajutatip (center) with Pres. Raul Rocha (left) and VP Nawat Itsaragrisil. Image: Miss Universe/Facebook

Miss Universe Organization (MUO) chief executive officer and co-owner Anne Jakrajutatip has stepped down from her executive posts in JKN Global Group, putting her role in the international pageant also at risk.

The Thai conglomerate reported that the transgender media mogul resigned as JKN Global Group Managing Director and CEO on Thursday, June 5, after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Thailand issued a complaint involving Jakrajutatip and another official.

“On June 5, 2025, the SEC filed a formal complaint with [the Department of Special Investigation] against JKN,” Thai media platform The Nation reported on Friday, June 6.

“The SEC alleges that the three parties jointly committed or allowed the inclusion of false information and/or failed to properly and accurately maintain the company’s financial records,” it noted.

Also included in the SEC complaint against JKN Global Group and Jakrajutatip was Pimpuma Jakrajutatip, a director in the conglomerate and deputy managing director of the content division.

“The allegations concern the joint act or consent to record false information and/or incomplete and inaccurate accounting records in JKN’s 2023 annual financial statements and Q1 2024 financial documents,” The Nation reported.

SEC’s action stemmed from JKN Global Group’s misleading report to them about the sale of stakes in the MUO to Mexican magnate Raul Rocha, through his Legacy Holdings Group.

When reports came out in January 2024 that Jakrajutatip sold half of her interests in MUO to Rocha’s Legacy Holdings, the SEC sought clarification from her and JKN Global Group.

Jakrajutatip and JKN Global Group told the SEC that they were still in search of possible investors at the time, but the regulatory agency found out that the sale had already pushed through months earlier, in October 2023.

In April, the SEC imposed fines amounting to 4.1 million baht (roughly P7 million) on Jakrajutatip and JKN Global Group, and prevented them from assuming directorships or holding executive positions in publicly-listed companies for “56 months,” or four years and eight months.

JKN Global Group said they would appeal the SEC’s decision when the news of the regulatory body’s imposition of punishment through fines and a ban on holding positions came out.

Before this scandal related to the sale of MUO stakes to a Mexican entity, JKN Global Group had already figured in another controversy involving finances, sparking bankruptcy rumors.

Jakrajutatip debunked the claims and explained that JKN Global Group had only been remiss in repaying bonds to investors.

The Thai entity missed its own deadlines on several occasions, with the amount worth tens of millions of dollars.

Miss Universe owner Anne Jakrajutatip. Image: Instagram/@annejkn.official

Several repayment dates for the debenture (long-term loan) were laid down after JKN Global Group offered to release partial repayment of $4.5 million (P251 million).

The Nation reported: “JKN entered the public spotlight internationally when it acquired the [MUO] in 2022, making headlines as the first Thai company to own one of the most prestigious global beauty pageants.”

“This acquisition was part of the company’s push to become a global lifestyle and entertainment brand,” it recalled.

It was not stated in any media report what Jakrajutatip’s fate in the MUO will be.

But it is expected that her resignation as managing director and CEO of JKN Global Group will also result in her departure from the international pageant organization.

MUO had recently revamped its leadership chart, retaining co-owners Jakrajutatip and Rocha as CEO and President.

US-based Filipino entrepreneur Olivia Quido-Co also retained her post as vice president for global partnerships, while controversial Thai personality and Miss Grand International head Nawat Itsaragrisil was announced as vice president of the eastern regional office.

The Miss Universe pageant will hold its 74th edition in Thailand in November.

More than 100 ladies from around the world are expected to take part in the competition.

Seasoned beauty queen Ahtisa Manalo will represent the Philippines in the contest./apl