William Heinecke

William Ellwood Heinecke (; born 4. June 1949) is an American-born Thai businessman. He is the founder and chairman of Minor International PCL. The company includes Minor Hotels, Minor Food, and Minor Lifestyle.

As of 2025, he is among the twenty richest men in Thailand.

Early life Heinecke moved to Bangkok in 1963 at the age of 14 with his family, having previously lived in Japan, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Heinecke's father spent 25 years in the United States military, serving in World War II and the Korean War. When he retired, he joined the foreign service. His mother was an Asia correspondent for Time magazine. Heinecke studied at the International School Bangkok, and persuaded the editor of the now-defunct Bangkok World to let him write a weekly column on go-carting. In return, he received advertising space alongside it.

Career At age 17, while still a high school student, Heinecke took over from the Bangkok World's advertising manager. He later sold Inter-Asia Publicity to Ogilvy & Mather. In 1967, he founded Minor Holdings, which over the next four decades would grow into The Minor Group, including more than 30 companies.

Heinecke had his first hotel venture in 1978 with the opening of the Royal Garden Resort Pattaya. His business ventures have included advertising agencies and other hotels in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai, as well as outside of Thailand. He also introduced American-style fast foods to Thailand in the late 1970s and 1980s — brands like Mister Donut, The Pizza Company, and Burger King. Heinecke naturalized as a Thai citizen in 1991, renouncing United States citizenship in the process. leading to the rebranding of the group as The Wolseley Hospitality Group.

Awards In 2013, Heinecke received the ABLF Trailblazer Award from the Asian Business Leadership Forum (ABLF) Awards held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, managed by Indian Expressions. In June 2022, he was featured on the Global 100 in Hospitality list by the International Hospitality Institute as one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Global Hospitality.

Philanthropy Heinecke has been involved in The St. Regis Bangkok Charity Gala & Auction held on an annual basis, contributing to raising funds for nominated organizations under Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the second daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.