Island Pacific Supermarket, a west coast grocery chain which specializes in Filipino and Asian products, has named Maite Defensor as its new CEO.
Defensor’s career spans several industries, including marketing, construction, mining, finance, and public service. She previously served as president and CEO of the Philippine National Construction Corporation, one of the Philippines’ largest construction industry employers. She also previously served as a representative for the Third District of Quezon City in the House of Representatives.
Defensor studied economics at both the University of the Philippines and Harvard University.
Niño Jefferson Lim, the founder of Island Pacific, who served as the company’s CEO until last year, expressed his support to employees of Island Pacific for their support and dedication during his tenure. “I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to have led such a remarkable team. My hope is that the same level of support and collaboration will be extended to Maite Defensor and the new leadership,” said Lim.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have someone of Maite Defensor’s caliber and experience, whom I have also known for many years, step up to lead Island Pacific Supermarket,” said Matt Ranillo, Chairman of the Board of Island Pacific. “We are confident that under Maite’s guidance, Island Pacific will ascend to new heights of success, continuing to innovate and excel in serving our community.”