Award-winning broadcast journalist Rico Hizon has confirmed he joined the SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) as senior vice president for corporate relations following the closure of CNN Philippines last January.

Rico embarked on his corporate journey on May 6, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career.

The former CNN Philippines senior news anchor did not make an official statement, but confirmed there was an internal announcement when he joined SMIC.

"New chapter. New journey!" said Rico in a text message.

Rico has had a long and illustrious career as a broadcast journalist, notable for having anchored programs at GMA, CNBC Asia, BBC World News, and CNN Philippines.

On May 2, Rico hinted at sealing a deal by posting a photo bearing his signature. His caption on social media, “Your life doesn't Get better by chance; it gets better by change"— Jim Rohn. To God Be the Glory!"

Before the closure of CNN Philippines, Rico scored another victory when he was named Best News Anchor or Presenter at the 28th Asian Television Awards (ATA) held at Hoa Binh Theatre in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on Jan. 12.

In 2022, CNN Philippines' late-night news program "The Final Word" won the Best News Program award from the ATA for the second year.

In December, Hizon received the Golden Goddess statuette for Best Factual Presenter (Best News Anchor and Best Current Affairs Anchor in Asia categories combined) as Grand Final Winner at the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2023 during ceremonies held in Singapore.

This isn't Hizon's first brush with accolades; he bagged his second national AACA win with this award. His first AACA came in 2020 with a Best News Program award for The Final Word, signaling his successful return to Philippine TV after 25 years of international reporting for BBC News and CNBC.