Josh Yugen Explores Miss Universe Denmark Franchise Acquisition
Global pageant leader Josh Yugen has confirmed ongoing discussions to acquire the Miss Universe Denmark franchise, which currently belongs to Victoria Kjær Theilvig, the reigning titleholder. This development has attracted attention since Yugen quietly established an office in Copenhagen earlier this year.
“I’ve been receiving a lot of questions about this, especially since the Yugen Group opened its first office in Europe. As far as I can tell you, the franchise has been offered to me, but nothing is finalized yet,” Yugen shared during a recent event. Holding the Miss Universe franchises for Bahrain, Pakistan, and Egypt, Yugen emphasized the importance of carefully considering this potential acquisition.
“If you look at the franchises I’ve taken on—Bahrain, Pakistan, Egypt—I built them from the ground up. I don’t want to hurt people’s feelings. This was my concern when I spoke to Miss Universe,” he added, hinting at possible future announcements. “There might be a possibility, who knows? But that’s for another presscon.”
Current License and Organizational Leadership
The Miss Universe Denmark franchise is currently managed by Lisa Lents through the Miss Denmark Organization, which also oversees the Miss World and Miss Supranational franchises in Denmark. The talks about the acquisition surfaced soon after Yugen’s new European office opened, signaling his expanding influence in international pageantry.
The remarks were made during the “XPEDITION Presents: The Miss Universe Yugen Franchises” press conference held in Quezon City. The event introduced the leadership team behind the Miss Universe franchises in Bahrain, Pakistan, and Egypt, all operating under the House of Yugen.
Key Appointments in Miss Universe Franchises
The newly announced team includes several notable figures:
– Josh Yugen – Owner and President
– Arci Muñoz – Head of Women Empowerment
– Dr. Jonas Apostol – Co-National Director of Miss Universe Bahrain and Official Dental Aesthetic Partner
– Dr. Gwen Pang – Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross and Head of Charity
– Deborah Kugler – CEO of Casa Officiale, Creative Director
– Xian Lim – Actor and Director, Head of Personality Development
– Ian Borromeo – Vice President for Operations and Communication
– Erica Robin – Co-National Director, Miss Universe Pakistan
– Evlin Khalifa – Co-National Director, Miss Universe Bahrain
– Mohra Tantawy – Head of Culture
– Kosh Hewage – Deputy Director, Miss Universe Bahrain
– Mercy Maddox – Head of Training and Development
– Maureen Montagne – Miss Globe 2021 and Head of Beauty
– Gwendolyne Fourniol – Head of Social Impact and Candidate Development
Each member highlighted the group’s mission to transform pageantry into a platform for advocacy, empowerment, and cultural pride.
Former Queens Lead with Passion and Purpose
Maureen Montagne, Miss Globe 2021, expressed her enthusiasm for joining the Yugen Group. She explained how pageantry has evolved for her, choosing to support from behind the scenes rather than compete again.
“I almost joined Miss Universe Philippines this past year, but I had to focus on business opportunities. Pageantry is becoming increasingly expensive nowadays, and I had to evaluate why I would want to join. Am I joining for my ego? Am I joining for more business opportunities? And I concluded that I’m very content behind the scenes,” she said.
Meanwhile, Gwendolyne Fourniol, Miss World Philippines 2022, emphasized the lasting role of pageantry in promoting causes, particularly education. She remains open to future participation but is currently dedicated to inspiring candidates.
“Pageantry will always advocate for causes, and mine is education. I haven’t closed any doors to joining (pageants) again, maybe in the future, wherever my heart will lead me,” she stated. She also described her new role as “an excellent opportunity to inspire and lead the candidates, the women, and to help the girls see their growth and be part of their journey.”
For more news and updates on Miss Universe Denmark franchise, visit Filipinokami.com.