The 2023 ING FINEX CFO of the Year; much awaited awarding ceremony was held November 15 at the Shangri-La Fort. Awarded the 17th CFO of the Year was Corazon Dizon, CFO of ACEN, renewable energy developer and part of the Ayala Group. She demonstrated excellence in key CFO roles as operator, steward, catalyst, and strategist. She led in ACEN completing the world’s first market-based Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM), promoted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Ms. Cora, a CPA, graduated Cum Laude from the University of Santo Tomas, with Masters in Business Administration from De La Salle and attended an Executive Program in University of Pennsylvania. Her work experience Included Sycip Gorres and Velayo (SGV) for three years and Ayala Land for 28 years prior to her move to ACEN in 2016.
The search for the CFO of the Year started February 2023 with FINEX Chair of the CFO Committee, Renan Piamonte, Partner at P&A Grant Thornton and Vice Chair Marilou Cristobal President of Multinational Investments. Other members were: Allied Holdings director Yoly Albano, OLLI Consultant Joey Camus, RCBC Consultant Joey Gomez, CEO Sterling Bank Paul San Pedro, and COL VP April Lynn Tan. PR head was FINEX director Edith Dy Chiao. She settled for no one except Rico Hizon as host for the event while FINEX director Domeng Go invited the Philippines best female vocalist Bituin Escalante for entertainment. Teamwork at its best with ING executives, FINEX CFO Committee, Board and Secretariat working together.
Important in any search are the Judges. This year’s Board of Judges represent a diversified group from academe, banking, business, government etc., all with impeccable credentials. The distinguished Board of Judges were:
*FINEX President and SGV Country Managing Partner, Wilson Tan,
*ING Bank Country Manager, Leoncio “Jun” Palanca. ING has been the principal sponsor of the ING FINEX CFO of the year for the past 17 years. Thank you, ING!
*From academe, Chairman Board of Judges, President of Ateneo de Manila University, Fr. Roberto “Bobby” C Yap,
*SEC Commissioner, in charge of General Accountant, Economic Research, Training Department Atty Karlo Bello,
*Former BSP Deputy Governor and Adviser of Global Source Diwa Guinigundo,
*President, Federation of the Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce, Mr. ‘Happee Toothpaste”, Dr. Cecilio Pedro and
*The lone lady judge, former SEC Chairman and Professor of Law at UP and De la Salle: Teresita “Tess” Herbosa.
Keynote Speaker was SEC Commissioner Kelvin Lester K. Lee. In this dynamic business landscape, he said the role of the CFO has transcended traditional boundaries. The CFOs are no longer just guardians of the financial integrity but drivers of shaping sustainable and inclusive growth strategies. In this global uncertainty and challenges CFOs to lead with innovation, resilience, and sustainable practices. He related it to SEC’s recognition of the significant role of Sustainability in shaping the future of capital markets.
He also expounded on the letters of the word SEC as applied to the FINEX theme “Leadership and Sustainability in Numbers”.
S-Sustain. Aside from leadership, CFOs should sustain their vision to integrate sustainability into their organizations core values and long-term objectives. How? By leading a sustainable lifestyle and building those values into the business operations through company policies.
E-Engage. Awareness is the first step towards sustainability. CFOs should Engage companies of the benefits of Sustainability not just in the workplace within society. Through the SECs information campaign materials, seminars, round table discussions, annual corporate governance forums, etc.
C-Collaborate. Companies and CFOs to collaborate and inspire each other for a common purpose of fostering a culture of sustainability through continuous engagements among stakeholders, government, private sector, global organizations.
He encouraged everyone to work together to promote sustainability in all aspects, exchange ideas, best practices and do more than what is expected. He also announced that the Sustainability Taxonomy is expected to be out by Valentine’s Day.
“This is the night of the winner, the CFO of the year, says CFO Chair Renan, the moment to shine a spotlight on her achievements and more importantly to inspire others in the finance community and foster a culture of excellence among CFOs in the Philippines. The CFO of the year is not just a celebration of one exceptional individual but also a celebration of the collective spirit of excellence that drives our finance sector forward.”
Congratulations to CFO Cora and the ING FINEX CFO of the Year Team! Well done!
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Ms. Tarriela is PNB Board Advisor and Nickel Asias Lead Independent Director. Independent Director of LTG Inc. and FINEX Liaison Director of the ING FINEX CFO of the year. She is an environmentalist and founded Flor’s Garden in Antipolo.