From technology to people and back again

When Supakit Tiyawatchalapong joined Ingram Micro at the beginning of 2026 as Managing Director for Thailand, he brought more than three decades of experience across technology and hospitality. Based in Thailand, Supakit is someone who believes deeply in long-term thinking, and the idea that businesses only succeed when people do. A brief step outside the IT industry helped him reconnect with what motivates him most, building meaningful impact through technology, powered by people. 

A return to what matters most 

After nearly 30 years in the IT industry, Supakit made an unexpected move into hospitality. What started as a change of pace became a defining chapter in his leadership journey. 

“I spent around 14 years at IBM, followed by another 13 years with a local IT distributor,” he shares. “Then I made what I like to joke was a three-year vacation from IT, moving to the largest hotel group in Thailand.” 

Working in the hospitality industry reshaped how he viewed success. “It reinforces something fundamental; technology alone never delivers success. People do,” Supakit explains. IT remained his passion, and when the opportunity to join Ingram Micro came along, it felt like the perfect match. 

“It felt like a natural and meaningful return,” he says. “Ingram Micro is one of the largest IT distributors in the world, and I saw a chance to contribute at a truly global level, while continuing a strong long-term commitment to Thailand.” 

Seeing global scale through a local lens 

From his first months at Ingram Micro, Supakit noticed a balance that stood out. Being part of a global organization did not come at the cost of local ownership. 

“We are part of a truly global enterprise, with access to global resources and expertise,” he says. “But at the same time, the local team has strong ownership, responsibility, and focus on the Thailand market.” 

That combination allows teams to move with purpose and confidence. Collaboration across borders plays a key role. Supakit highlights how easy it is to connect with other leaders across ASEAN to share ideas and learn from one another. 

“Even as a global organization, the way people work together feels very close,” he reflects. “Teams move fast, collaborate openly, and support each other across borders.” 

Growing people to grow the business 

For Supakit, leadership is closely tied to development. Seeing people progress is not just rewarding, it is essential to long-term success. 

“For me, success as a leader is seeing my people grow, even to the point where they can replace me,” he says. “That’s when I know I’ve done my job well.” 

He believes leaders should focus on people and opportunities at the same time. This means investing continuously in learning and helping teams evolve as the industry changes. 

“Sales teams need to continue their move from transactional selling to consultative selling,” Supakit explains. “Product teams need to develop solution-selling capabilities. This is a long journey, but it’s essential if we want to prepare our people, and the business, for what’s next.” 

This focus on learning and adaptability supports customers, partners, and colleagues alike, ensuring teams are ready to meet future needs with confidence and integrity. 

Building something that lasts 

Supakit believes Ingram Micro plays a unique role in the technology ecosystem. Working closely with global technology partners creates opportunities to learn, innovate, and build for the long term. 

“If you want to build a serious career in IT, Ingram Micro gives you exposure you cannot easily get elsewhere,” he says. “You are working with leading technology companies, learning every day, and contributing to something much bigger than a single market.” 

What keeps him motivated is simple, seeing people grow, teams collaborate, and the business move forward together. For those considering their next step, his story reflects what many find at Ingram Micro: global opportunity, local impact, and a culture where people are trusted to grow and make a difference.