Miss Grand International founder Nawat Itsaragrisil is now playing a bigger role in the Miss Universe Organization (MUO). 

The Thai entrepreneur has been appointed as executive director of MUO, as announced on the Instagram page of Miss Universe Thailand (MUT) on Wednesday. 

"His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication continue to elevate the standards of pageantry across the Universe," the post read.

Itsaragrisil acquired the MUT franchise earlier this year, a move that was seen as a "new era" in pageantry. 

The crossover marked the start of a collaboration with his former competitor and fellow Thai Anne Jakrajutatip, who co-owns MUO.

"I firmly believe that MUO and MGI will work hand in hand with strong commitment to create and empower women, as well as inspire people around the world," Jakrajutatip earlier said in Thai, as translated by MUT. 

"Through this collaboration, we will launch new partnerships and projects that will soon be introduced to audiences both in Thailand and worldwide."

Itsaragrisil's appointment as MUO executive director was met with support, with even MGI chief operations officer Teresa Yuphayao Chaivisut extending her congratulations.

Filipina beauty queen CJ Opiaza, who finished first runner-up in last year's MGI, also expressed her excitement for the Thai entrepreneur. "Congratulations, Papa [Nawat]," she said on Instagram Stories as she reposted the announcement. 

Thailand is hosting the 74th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, which will be held in November.

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