Miss Universe changes ownership and new CEO vows to keep increasing inclusivity

Thai media conglomerate JKN Global Group has bought the organisation from IMG

The new Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu of India gestures to the audience after being crowned at the Miss Universe 2021 pageant. EPA

Harnaaz Sandhu waves after being crowned Miss Universe. AP Photo

Miss Universe contestants congratulate Miss India, Harnaaz Sandhu, as she is crowned Miss Universe. AFP

India's Harnaaz Sandhu waves after being crowned Miss Universe 2021 during the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel. AP Photo

Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza, right, crowns India's Harnaaz Sandhu as Miss Universe 2021. AP Photo

Miss Paraguay Nadia Ferreira, left, embraces Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu after the winner is announced. AFP

Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu, right, reacts as she wins Miss Universe 2021. EPA

Outgoing Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico places a crown on the head of Miss Universe winner Harnaaz Sandhu of India. Reuters

Harnaaz Sandhu poses during the pageant. EPA

The top three finalists: Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane, Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu, and Miss Paraguay Nadia Ferreira. EPA

Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu during the swimsuit competition of the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AFP

Harnaaz Sandhu wears a maroon cap-sleeved one-piece swimsuit during the swimwear portion of the competition. AFP

US television and pageant host Steve Harvey asks Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu the final question during the 70th Miss Universe competition. AFP

During the national costume segment, she wore a gold embellished lehenga, and carried a traditional wedding parasol. AFP

Harnaaz Sandhu during the preliminary stage of the 70th Miss Universe pageant. AFP

Thai media and content company JKN Global Group has acquired the Miss Universe Organisation from IMG, making chief executive Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip the first woman to own the global beauty competition during its 70-year history.

JKN, which owns a portfolio of broadcast and media titles, said the deal will build on the pageant's legacy and further its commitment to inclusivity. There are also plans to expand the Miss Universe brand, including the launch of MU Lifestyle, a new licensing and merchandising arm.

Miss Universe made history in August when it announced it was making one of the biggest changes to its selection process. Starting next year, the annual competition will accept married women and mothers. Previously, only single women, aged between 18 and 28, who have never been married or had children were allowed to apply.

The new rules will not be in place for the 71st Miss Universe, which has been postponed to January, as preliminary pageants have already taken place.

Miss Universe is one of the longest-running and most-watched beauty competitions in the world; it is broadcast in 165 countries and seen by more than half a billion people annually.

"We are incredibly honoured to be acquiring The Miss Universe Organisation and working with its visionary leadership team," said Jakrajutatip. "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."

Josh Yugen, the national director for Miss Universe Bahrain, said the deal was "one of the best things to happen to Miss Universe".

"It is the first time a woman will own this greatest competition of its kind and Anne, an empowering woman who is the epitome of passion, progress, innovation, grace and love, is the perfect harmony to this iconic brand.

"I am 100 per cent sure that Anne will triumph inclusivity, diversity and equality from the moment she runs this organisation."

Miss Universe has changed ownership a number of times since the first pageant was held in 1952. Former US president Donald Trump bought it in 1996 and sold it to global events and talent company IMG in 2015, following a backlash against his controversial comments about Mexican immigrants.

New Orleans will host the Miss Universe 2022 pageant in January where Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Sandhu from India, will crown her successor.

Scroll through the gallery below for Miss Universe 2022 beauty queens who have been crowned so far, from Turkey to Italy and Kyrgyzstan