Gutierrez-Alfonso became president in June, succeeding tycoon Andrew Tan, who founded Megaworld in 1989, just a year before she joined.
A certified public accountant, she has served in roles such as senior executive vice president for finance and administration and, most recently, chief operating officer.
“Gutierrez-Alfonso’s new role will 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 that tourism will rally as the government and private sector invest heavily in infrastructure, including airports,” Forbes said.
Women leaders
The Megaworld president joined a distinguished group of leading female executives recognized for their impact across Asia.
Leaders include Vicki Brady (Telstra, Australia), Bonnie Chan (Hong Kong Exchanges), Clara Chan (Hong Kong Investment Corp.), and Maggi Chen (Chenbro Micom, Taiwan), who lead in tech and finance, while Shina Chung (Kakao, South Korea) and Miwako Date (Mori Trust, Japan) drive expansion in artificial intelligence and luxury real estate.
In India, Nyrika Holkar (Godrej Enterprises) and Rishma Kaur (Berger Paints) guide diversified growth.
Carrie Hurihanganui (Auckland Airport, NZ) and Michelle Jablko (Transurban, Australia) oversee major infrastructure. Stella Li (BYD, China) powers EV expansion, with Stephanie Lo (Shui On Land, Hong Kong) steering through property market challenges.
Vishakha Mulye (Aditya Birla Capital, India) focuses on digital finance, while Shania Manoj Punjabi (MD Entertainment, Indonesia) and Feny Djoko Susanto (Sumber Alfaria, Indonesia) dominate entertainment and retail, respectively.
Tan Su Shan (DBS Group, Singapore) advances in banking, Serena Teo Joo Ling (CapitaLand Ascott Trust, Singapore) leads in lodging, Mitsuko Tottori (Japan Airlines) enhances safety, and Jo Townsend (NZ Super Fund) manages New Zealand’s wealth fund.
