Megaworld president cited by Forbes

November 6, 2024 | 12:00am

Only Filipina in Asia Power Businesswoman list

MANILA, Philippines — Megaworld president Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso has been named as one of 20 exceptional female leaders in Asia by Forbes.

Gutierrez-Alfonso, Megaworld’s former chief operating officer who became president back in June, is the only Filipina in the 2024 Asia’s Power Businesswomen list of Forbes.

The list honoring 20 outstanding female leaders also includes Vicki Brady and Michelle Jablko from Australia; Bonnie Chan, Clara Chan and Stephanie Lo from Hong Kong; Maggi Chen from Taiwan; Shina Chung from South Korea; Miwako Date and Mitsuko Tottori from Japan; Nyrika Holkar, Rishma Kaur and Vishakha Mulye from India; Carrie Hurihanganui and Jo Townsend from New Zealand; Stella Li from China; Shania Manoj Punjabi and Feny Djoko Susanto from Indonesia and Tan Su Shan and Serena Teo Joo Ling from Singapore.

Forbes said the women leaders in this year’s list were selected for their achievements and proven track records.

They also represent a new generation of business leaders who are ready to face any difficulties head-on, Forbes said.

“Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswomen list this year spotlights 20 executives, entrepreneurs and family business members who are steering their companies through industry challenges and economic uncertainties,” list editor Rana Wehbe Watson said.

“From leading property developers and financial institutions to innovating in EVs and manufacturing, they are instilling bold strategies and a renewed sense of optimism in industries across the region,” she said.

A certified public accountant, Gutierrez-Alfonso took over the post from tycoon Andrew Tan as Megaworld president in June.

The 61-year-old Gutierrez-Alfonso has been with the property giant since 1990, holding various positions.

Gutierrez-Alfonso has extensive experience in real estate and has a strong background in finance and marketing.

As Megaworld president, she has been given the task of handling a major expansion move of the company. Forbes said that Gutierrez-Alfonso’s new role would definitely be a challenge.

“Although the central bank has started to ease interest rates, borrowing costs remain high while rival builders are aggressively constructing hotels in anticipation tourism will rally as the government and private sector invest heavily in infrastructure, including airports,” it said.