Equal opportunity and meritocracy enable SM’s sustained growth

Elizabeth Anne “Lizanne” Uychaco, Executive Vice-President for Corporate Services, Group Diversity Officer and Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at SM Investments

PASAY CITY, PHILIPPINES — As the country celebrates Women’s Month, the SM group continues to strengthen its commitment to equal opportunity and meritocracy, including empowering women in the workplace. As part of its core business practices, these principles foster an inclusive workforce that help fuel the company’s sustained growth and long-term success.

Elizabeth Anne “Lizanne” Uychaco, Executive Vice-President for Corporate Services, Group Diversity Officer and Chief Risk and Compliance Officer at SM Investments shared how “Empowering women through equal opportunity and meritocracy drives performance and promotes growth of organizations.”

At SM, the commitment to equal opportunity is evident with 64% of the workforce being women, and 58% of these women holding senior leadership positions. This gender balance is crucial in creating a dynamic and forward-thinking workplace.

According to Leny Hernandez, SM Retail Inc.’s Senior Vice-President for Human Resources, “Retail has a ratio of 60/40 (female versus male employees). In terms of females in the senior manager and executive positions, females are twice as many as their male counterparts. We have a number of women in Merchandising, Marketing and HR. That’s women-power in Retail.”

SM Investments’ “evidence-based progress” on gender equality was also recognized among the leaders in Transparency and Reporting during the 2024 Philippines Women’s Empowerment Principles Awards of the United Nations.

SM also understands the vital role that women play in advancing sustainability, not only for the business and its employees, but for the planet as well.

From SM Hotels’ Tela Tales campaign to SM Store’s Green Finds Tarp project, SM’s initiatives and efforts across the group are grounded on supporting and championing social and economic inclusion where they partner with women leaders and women groups that align with the SM value of social entrepreneurship.

As SM continues to evolve and adapt to a rapidly changing world, the company remains committed to creating an environment where equal opportunities are available to all, to drive business success while making a positive societal impact—today, and for future generations.