Driving growth from the Investing.com boardroom

Pasay City, Philippines,, January 27, 2025 / PRNewswire/ – Meritocracy is advancing as an indicator of effective management, emphasizing qualifications, expertise and independent judgment to get organizations started and drive growth from the boardroom.

Frameworks focused on merit and excellence show a growing emphasis on ensuring that board members make meaningful contributions to their roles.

SM Investments Corporation Recently, he highlighted this principle from the lens of his independent directors. Tomas “Tammy” Lipan, Independent (Lon 🙂 director and chairman of SM Investments’ The audit committee emphasized the importance of qualifications: “You have to look at the qualifications. A board member should add to the reputation of the Company which is crucial for investors and other stakeholders.”

Those sentiments are echoed by Atty. Lily RoughIndependent director SM Investmentswho pointed to natural diversity within the board as a product and clear indicator of a healthy meritocracy. “Ideally, a perfect meritocracy is blind and independent of issues of gender, background and race, at least where it is not relevant. This is the next level to strive for in any organization” to consist of persons of merit, Not just a collection of different personalities “, she said.

SM’s governance framework demonstrates its commitment to professionalism, accountability, integrity, fairness, sustainability and transparency. The firm has raised the bar by promoting independent judgment and fostering leadership that matches the highest standards.

A significant decision in 2023 saw the appointment Amanda M. TetangcoJr., former governor of the Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas, as Chairman of the Board, the first independent director to hold that position in SM’s history. This underscores the company’s priority of expertise, professionalism and the value of independent leadership in shaping its future.

Over 50% of SM’s board seats are held by independent directors, who exceed regulatory standards and set the industry benchmark. Two of those directors are women known for their expertise in tax and corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, auditing and accounting, to name a few, emphasizing the balance between diversity and merit. Independent directors also lead key committees, including audit, corporate governance and sustainability, related party transactions and risk management, further ensuring an objective independent judgment on corporate affairs.

Completion of the distinguished list of directors of independent boards of SM Ramon M. Lopezformer secretary Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (Dti) i Robert G. Vergara who previously served as president and general manager and vice president Board of Trustees of Civil service insurance system (GSIS).

These initiatives reflect a commitment to drive performance and competence, while upholding high governance standards, meeting investor expectations and societal demands, and helping to drive inclusive growth.