When Marife B. Zamora stepped into SM Investments Corp.’s (SMIC) Annual Stockholders’ Meeting this year, she didn’t come as just another business leader. She came to make history — elected as the company’s newest independent director and one of only two women currently holding that position.

Zamora joins the board to help strengthen SMIC’s reputation for good corporate governance.

Her election ensures the company maintains its majority of independent directors, exceeding regulatory standards and reaffirming the company’s commitment to strong, responsible leadership. She also joins Atty. Lilly K. Gruba as the second female independent director, shaping a more inclusive boardroom.

“I’m truly honored to join SM’s Board,” Zamora said. “SM mirrors the energy and growth journey of the Philippine economy. I look forward to contributing to a growing company deeply committed to independence and strong corporate governance.”

Zamora’s leadership spans telecommunications, insurance and business process outsourcing. Across these sectors, she has built a reputation not only for strategic insight but also for a firm commitment to ethical business and forward-looking leadership.

Beyond her executive credentials, Zamora is known as a staunch advocate for women in business and technology. She serves on the Board of Trustees of the FTW (For The Women) Foundation, which empowers women through data science training and career development.

She also co-founded the Filipina CEO Circle, a network of senior women executives dedicated to mentoring and supporting emerging women leaders in the country. These roles underscore her consistent advocacy for inclusivity and gender equity — not just in principle, but in practice.

Zamora played a pivotal role in establishing and driving growth in customer management giant Convergys in the Philippines. She served as the first country manager for Convergys Philippines starting in 2003, expanding the company from its initial contact center to 17 centers with 25,000 employees by 2011, making it the country’s largest private employer.

In 2011, she was promoted to managing director for Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for Convergys’ customer management business, overseeing 37,000 employees across contact centers in the UK, India and the Philippines. She later became chairman of Convergys Philippines, a position she held until December 2018.

Solid BPO, IT sectors background

Before Convergys, Zamora was managing director of Headstrong Philippines, a global provider of integrated solutions and digital technologies. This role further honed her expertise in managing complex operations in the business process outsourcing (BPO) and information technology (IT) sectors.

Zamora also spent 18 years at IBM Philippines, where she held various sales, marketing, and management positions. Her long tenure at IBM provided her with a strong foundation in technology and business operations, contributing to her reputation as a capable leader in the tech industry.

She was recognized for her significant contributions to business and advocacy, including being named one of the 100 Most Influential Filipino Women in the World in 2013.

Awarded by the Filipina Women’s Network, the recognition highlighted Zamora’s global impact as a Filipina leader in the corporate sector.

She was also named Asia CEO Awards Global Filipino Executive of the Year in 2011 for her outstanding leadership as managing director of Convergys Philippines and later as managing director for Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Go Negosyo Woman STARpreneur Award (2012): While not listed as “50 Inspiring Women of Passion,” Zamora was honored with the Go Negosyo Woman STARpreneur Award in 2012, recognizing her entrepreneurial leadership and contributions to the business process outsourcing and technology sectors in the Philippines. Note that Go Negosyo’s “50 Inspiring Women of Passion” is a separate initiative, and there is no direct evidence from available data confirming her inclusion in that specific list.

Zamora’s appointment follows the departure of Tomasa “Tammy” H. Lipana, who completed her maximum nine-year term as an independent director. Lipana’s exit marks the close of a significant tenure that helped steer SMIC through changing market landscapes.

“The Board extends its deepest gratitude to Director Lipana for the nine years of dedicated service and invaluable insights she has provided to the company,” SMIC Chairperson Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said. “We also welcome Ms. Zamora, whose broad experience and strong track record will benefit the group.”

For SMIC, bringing Zamora on board goes beyond simply filling a seat — it reflects the company’s ongoing pursuit of leadership grounded in integrity, independence and innovation.

Her diverse experience complements SM’s diverse business interests, while her work in advocacy aligns with the company’s growing focus on inclusive and sustainable business practices.

With her in the loop, SMIC’s boardroom gains another strong voice — and perhaps, a little more power in heels.