The German–Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (GPCCI) proudly announces the appointment of Ms. Marie Antoniette E. Mariano, BDO Unibank, Inc.'s First Vice President and Head of the Europe Desk, as its new president. Alongside this significant appointment, the chamber also welcomed its new board of directors during its annual general meeting held on April 11, 2024.
First female president
Ms. Mariano, leading a newly elected 11-member board, marks a significant moment in history as the first female president of GPCCI. She takes over the reins from Mr. Stefan Schmitz, who steps into the role of Senior Vice President. Ms. Mariano's presidency marks a groundbreaking step for the organization, symbolizing its commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and gender equality within the business community.
"Being elected as the first-ever woman president of the German Chamber is both an honor and a humbling experience. It represents a significant milestone in our journey towards diversity, inclusion, and gender equality." says GPCCI President Marie Antoniette Mariano "I am committed to continue to drive forward the mission of the German chamber and its members in strengthening economic ties, promoting trade, and creating opportunities for growth and collaboration between the Philippines and Germany."
Ms. Mariano brings to the position a wealth of experience from her previous roles within the GPCCI, including Co-Chair of the Membership Committee, Treasurer, and, most recently, Senior Vice President.
New Board of Directors
Other board of directors include its former President, Mr. Stefan Schmitz as Senior Vice President (Managing Director of Antrak Transport Solutions Corporation), Mr. Tristan Arwen G. Loveres as Vice President (Managing Director of TÜV Rheinland Philippines, Inc.), Mr. Joseph Kumar Gross as Treasurer (President & CEO of AllianzPNB Life Insurance Inc).
The board also welcomes Mr. Tore Henriksen (President & Managing Director of Doehle Shipmanagement Philippines Corporation), Dr. Marian Norbert Majer (Executive Director of Rödl & Partner Philippines), Dr. Ma. Ligaya M. Menguito, Ph.D., RPsy (Corporate Secretary of GOLDMÜNZEN, INC.), Mr. Peter Rankl (GM Calamba & President Automotive ASEAN of Continental Automotive), Mr. Tobias Rast (CEO of Pegotec Pte. Ltd.), Dr. Christian Peter Scheld (Country Director of MHE-Demag (P) Inc.), and Mr. Christopher Zimmer (Executive Director of GPCCI) as its distinguished Board Directors.
"We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the outgoing president Mr. Stefan Schmitz of Antrak Transport Solutions Corporation for his dedication and support" says GPCCI Executive Director Christopher Zimmer "we look forward to the promising developments of enhancing the bilateral economic relations between the Philippines and Germany under the new board leadership"
About GPCCI
GPCCI / AHK Philippinen belongs to the international network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) which is represented by 150 offices in 93 countries. GPCCI is the official representation of German businesses in the Philippines; a bilateral membership organization with around 300 members; and a service provider to companies in their market entry and expansion.