INSIDER INFO | Smart chief Marjorie Garrovillo to lead Alaska Milk as first female president

Marketing veteran Marjorie Garrovillo is returning to her consumer goods roots after a year at one of the country’s biggest telecommunications companies, having recently been chosen to helm Alaska Milk Corp. as its first female president.

This also marks Garrovillo’s homecoming to the dairy business, where she previously worked at FrieslandCampina, the Dutch multinational that owns a majority stake in Alaska.

Garrovillo became officer-in-charge of Smart Communications in October last year alongside Lloyd Manaloto after chief operating officer Anastacio “Boy” Martirez abruptly stepped down.

Marjorie Garrovillo

Incoming Alaska Milk president 

Insiders familiar with the move said Garrovillo spent several weeks weighing the opportunity before accepting the top job at Alaska Milk.

While her previous working experience at FrieslandCampina likely played a role, it was her extensive fast-moving consumer goods experience in firms such as Nestlé Philippines, Danone, The Coca-Cola Co. and Unilever that sealed the deal.

An insider said she continues to assist with the transition at the telco, which she joined in July 2025 after a stint at Nestlé where she was chief marketing officer.

Alaska Milk, which makes fresh and powdered milk, evaporated milk and creamer under the Alaska brand, was owned by the Uytengsu family before FrieslandCampina acquired a majority stake in 2012. The Uytengsu family continues to hold a seat on the company’s board.