LOS ANGELES, CA - A new Chief Executive Officer is taking charge in the retail sector. Island Pacific Supermarket has named Maite Defensor to head up the company as its new CEO.

Defensor, a seasoned business leader with over two decades of diverse experience, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Her illustrious career spans several industries, including marketing, construction, mining, finance, and public service. Her leadership is further highlighted by her establishment of Island Pacific Global, a strategic initiative that provided considerable labor cost savings by offering back-office support to United States-based Island Pacific Supermarkets. This strategic move not only bolstered the company's financial performance but also supported local industries in the Philippines.

According to a press release, her tenure as President and CEO of the Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC) positioned her as a key figure in one of the Philippines' largest construction industry employers. Defensor's commitment to public service was exemplified during her time as the Representative for the Third District of Quezon City in the House of Representatives. She was instrumental in filing bills on anti-discrimination at work, focusing on eliminating discriminatory actions based on sex, sexual orientation, age, personality, and looks. Additionally, she championed anti-trust legislation to encourage fair business competition and prohibit unfair business practices.

Defensor studied Economics at both the University of the Philippines and Harvard University. Her roles as Assistant Secretary and Director of the Harvard-Kennedy School of Government Alumni Foundation of the Philippines, along with memberships in prestigious organizations like the Harvard Club of the Philippines and the Financial Executives of the Philippines, further underscore her diverse skills and network.

"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 Niño Jefferson Lim, Founder of Island Pacific, who served as CEO until last year. "In the year 2000, there was only one dominant Filipino Supermarket chain, which led to the closure of many small family-owned grocery stores. Against all odds, Island Pacific survived and now our presence has been vital to our community, ensuring competitive prices and better product choices."

Congratulations to Maite Defensor!