Ayala Land’s Dy one of 2023 Asia Power Businesswomen

MANILA, Philippines — Forbes Asia has named Anna Ma. Margarita Dy, the first female president and chief executive officer (CEO) of property giant Ayala Land Inc., as one of its 2023 Asia’s Power Businesswomen.

Forbes unveiled its list yesterday, honoring 20 successful female leaders across the Asia-Pacific region, who operate in a broad range of industries including finance and banking, property, technology and commodities.

Dy, the only Filipino on the list, took the helm at Ayala Land in October, becoming the first female CEO of the Philippines’ second-largest property developer by market value.

“Her appointment comes as the company accelerates the launch of residential projects to meet surging housing demand. Dy joined the company 18 years ago and has been on the management committee since 2008. Prior to her role as CEO, she oversaw many of the firm’s luxury housing projects as chief operating officer and head of its residential business group,” Forbes said.

Dy graduated magna cum laude from the Ateneo de Manila University’s Economics Honors Program in 1990 and earned her Master’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1991 and MBA at the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration in 1996.

She succeeded Bernard Vincent Dy, who retired from Ayala Land after 26 years in the company.

Rana Wehbe Watson, list editor, said the 20 outstanding women featured on this year’s Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswomen list “are undeterred by new economic realities.”

“From top executives at leading business and financial institutions – who are, in many cases, the first woman to take on these roles – to those driving their family businesses to new heights or starting their own, these trailblazers are truly unstoppable,” Watson said.

All 20 women highlighted this year are newcomers, adding to Forbes Asia’s network of outstanding businesswomen in the region and have been selected for their achievements and track records as business leaders.