Two Filipina leaders have been recognized among the most influential businesswomen in Asia, a testament to their transformative impact on the region’s corporate world. Forbes Asia’s 2025 Power Businesswomen list celebrates those actively reshaping industries and driving innovation.
Mariana Beatriz E. Zobel de Ayala, a scion of one of the Philippines’ most established families and Managing Director at Ayala Corp., is spearheading a significant evolution within Ayala Land. Her vision extends beyond maintaining the status quo, focusing on ambitious redevelopment and expansion plans for the company’s vast portfolio.
Ms. Zobel de Ayala currently leads Ayala Malls, one of the nation’s largest retail chains, and is charting a course to dramatically increase its gross leasable area to 2.9 million square meters by 2028. This expansion isn’t just about size; it’s about creating dynamic spaces that cater to evolving consumer needs.
Beyond retail, she’s also directing a substantial $500-million investment to double Ayala Land’s hotel room inventory to 7,500 by 2030. This strategic move underscores a commitment to bolstering the Philippines’ hospitality sector and attracting a wider range of travelers.
Joining Ms. Zobel de Ayala on the prestigious list is Mybelle V. Aragon-GoBio, the President and CEO of Robinsons Land Corp. Her appointment marks a historic moment, as she is the first woman and non-family executive to lead the Gokongwei-led property arm of JG Summit Holdings, Inc.
Ms. Aragon-GoBio is currently orchestrating a P125-billion expansion plan for Robinsons Land over the next five years. This ambitious undertaking includes a deliberate strategy to elevate the company’s brands, focusing on quality and premium offerings.
Forbes Asia highlighted that the women selected for this year’s list aren’t simply reacting to change, but are actively defining the future of business across Asia. They are pioneers in rapidly growing sectors and are skillfully guiding established family businesses toward new levels of success.
The 2025 list showcases a diverse range of leadership, with over half of the women recognized having extensive experience in banking, consumer goods, and transportation. Notably, three of the honorees are first-generation entrepreneurs, demonstrating the power of innovation and independent vision.
Alongside these Filipina leaders, the list includes prominent figures such as Maggie Ng, CEO of HSBC Hong Kong, and Kuok Hui Kwong, CEO of Shangri-La Asia, further illustrating the breadth of female leadership driving progress throughout the region.
The recognition of these women underscores a growing trend of female empowerment and influence within the Asian business landscape, signaling a future where diverse perspectives and innovative strategies are at the forefront of economic growth.
