Why Retail Leaders at Central Retail and 2degrees Put Employees First — and Saw Results

📍Singapore

In retail, there’s a growing realization that the customer experience can only be as strong as the employee experience behind it. For businesses operating at scale — across multiple countries, verticals, and workforce generations — creating a truly people-first culture requires more than lip service. It demands systemic change, consistent leadership buy-in, and a deep understanding of what motivates teams on the ground.

At Central Retail Group, Thailand’s largest retailer with operations in Vietnam and Italy, that transformation began internally — with the HR team. Traditionally seen as a back-office function, HR was repositioned as a strategic partner, with a clear mission to make the company a great place to work. Led by Chief People Officer Panchalee Weeratammawat, this shift empowered over 400 HR professionals to support 60,000 employees more effectively. By building purpose, embedding HR leaders in business decisions, and investing in long-term career growth, Central Retail saw a clear cultural shift that directly impacted customer-facing teams.