Following the Wednesday announcement that JKN, a Thai-owned media and content conglomerate, has acquired the Miss Universe Organization from IMG, key people from both organizations made it official to the public via a virtual event held yesterday.
CEO Amy Emmerich and President Paula Shugart joined JKN Global Group’s Chief Executive Officer Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip – who becomes the first woman owner of The Miss Universe Organization – to discuss rule changes and the aspects of the pageant that will remain the same.
“Miss Universe belongs to us,” Anne Jakapong said during the event also announcing the establishment of the “One Universe” platform that hopes to unite women from all backgrounds to showcase their beauty and talent on one stage and empower one another.
“We seek not only to continue its legacy of providing a platform to passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and traditions but also to evolve the brand for the next generation,” Anne Jakapong said.
The Miss Universe Organization is an international, inclusive organization that celebrates women of all backgrounds, cultures, and traditions, and exists to advocate for a future forged by women and good for all. At 71 years, Miss Universe is one of the longest-running and most-watched competitions in the world, broadcast in 165 countries worldwide and seen by more than half a billion people annually.
The Miss Universe Organization provides a global platform for more than 10,000 women annually to affect positive change through dedicated personal, professional, and philanthropic activities around the world.
The transition expands JKN’s portfolio of global broadcast and media properties across entertainment and consumer products. JKN’s acquisition will build on The Miss Universe Organization’s strong brand and vision, developing an integrated and compelling proposition with new opportunities to grow the business in key and untapped markets, including Asia.
During the announcement, JKN shared its plans for generating additional value based on the natural strength of the Miss Universe brand, including the upcoming debut of MU Lifestyle: a new licensing and merchandising arm of The Miss Universe Organization that will leverage the strength of the Miss Universe brand and JKN’s lifestyle portfolio to create a new range of merchandise, as well as entertainment and various business opportunities that reflect the strength of the brand.
“We are incredibly honored to be acquiring The Miss Universe Organization and working with its visionary leadership team. The global reach of the Organization, its relationships with global partners and brands, and its wealth of content, licensing, and merchandising opportunities make this a strong, strategic addition to our portfolio,” Anne Jakapong added.
Amy Emmerich and Paula Shugartshared: “We are excited to continue the evolution of The Miss Universe Organization with JKN. Our relationships with global partners and brands have never been stronger; and our progressive approach continues to position us at the forefront of our industry. We would like to thank IMG for providing us a foundation to realize our aspirations for the brand.”