Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, 61, has made history as the only Filipino featured in Forbes' prestigious 50 Over 50 list for January 2025. This recognition highlights her significant contributions to the business landscape, particularly in the real estate sector. Gutierrez-Alfonso became the president of Megaworld Corporation in mid-2024, succeeding the company's founder, Andrew Tan. With a career at Megaworld that began in 1990, she brings a wealth of experience to her leadership role [57eed45b].
Under her guidance, Megaworld is poised for substantial growth, with plans to oversee a $6.1 billion expansion over the next five years. This ambitious project aims to increase the company's townships by 13% and add 12,000 hotel rooms to its portfolio. Currently, Megaworld operates 35 townships and is set to launch two additional ones in 2025, further solidifying its position in the Philippine real estate market [57eed45b].
In addition to her recent accolade, Gutierrez-Alfonso was also recognized in Forbes' Asia Power Businesswomen list in 2024, underscoring her influence and leadership in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her achievements serve as an inspiration for women in business, promoting the importance of female empowerment and representation in leadership roles [57eed45b].
As the real estate sector continues to evolve, Gutierrez-Alfonso's leadership at Megaworld is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of urban development and tourism in the Philippines, making her a key figure to watch in the coming years [57eed45b].