NEW YORK CITY — In an exciting announcement at the launch event for its new headquarters, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) revealed that Thailand will host the 74th Miss Universe pageant on Nov. 21.
CEO Anne Jakrajutatip, a prominent transgender businesswoman and the first woman to own the organization since 1952, made the announcement on Feb. 7 to a crowd of eager attendees, including press and VIPs, at the WSA Building in Manhattan.
The WSA Building is celebrated as one of New York City’s historical landmarks, making it an ideal location for this significant occasion.
“We are thrilled to return to Thailand, a country renowned for its rich culture and deep appreciation for pageantry,” Jakrajutatip said during her speech. “This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate beauty and empowerment in a location that truly embodies the spirit of the Miss Universe Organization.”
The launch event was hosted by television personality Carson Kressley and featured prominent figures from the organization, including Raul Rocha Cantù, president of the Miss Universe Organization; Danish model and reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig and Filipino American Vice President for Global Partnerships Olivia Quido.
Rocha, who is also president of Legacy Holding and owns 50 percent of the MUO, expressed pride in the organization’s new corporate headquarters, stating, “I am very happy to share with you today an announcement that is very special for us. These offices are located in the heart of New York City, surrounded by iconic financial landmarks. We are ready to take our brand to the next level.”
Jakrajutatip, who purchased the organization for $20 million in 2022, highlighted the organization’s mission to empower women. “We have a lot of vision in terms of expanding the company into three Ps: platform, products, and pageantry.”
Kressley added a fourth P—“People”—to emphasize the loyal fans who support the pageant, to which Jakrajutatip enthusiastically agreed: “Our fans are the heartbeat of this organization, and we are grateful for their unwavering support.”
Since Jakrajutatip took the helm three years ago, the pageant has become controversial for allowing women aged 18 and over, including married women, to compete. This change aligns with her aim to usher the Miss Universe pageant into a new era of leadership.
Quido, who first joined the organization as a skincare sponsor, became the organization’s global VP last year. “I’m super happy and excited!” she told Inquirer.net USA. “We kept quiet about this announcement for a couple of months to build anticipation. Thailand is a beautiful country, and we expect more than 10,000 people to watch the pageant live.”
When asked what made them choose Thailand, Quido elaborated on the decision. “We had many options, with numerous Latin and African countries wanting to host,” she explained. “But Asia deserves its turn, and Thailand is a pageant powerhouse. The Philippines and Thailand are rejoicing right now since they are so close.”
The launch event marks a return to the organization’s roots, as Miss Universe began in New York City 74 years ago.
“We always say we go back to the roots,” said Quido, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to expanding globally while honoring its history.
As anticipation builds for the 74th Miss U pageant in Thailand, the new headquarters in New York City symbolizes the organization’s dedication to “celebrating beauty, diversity and empowerment on a global stage.”
For those interested in partnering with the pageant, Quido encouraged potential collaborators to reach out via email at olivia@missuniverse.com, highlighting the growing opportunities within the organization.
Source: https://usa.inquirer.net/165987/miss-universe-returns-to-nyc-announces-thailand-as-2025-pageant-host