BIZ BUZZ: MPTC gets new boss

From airways to expressways, Gilbert Gabriel Santa Maria is keeping the driver’s seat.

Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) named Santa Maria as the new president and chief executive officer of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), effective Sept. 1.

As the new big guy overseeing the tollway business, Santa Maria seeks to strengthen the firm’s customer-centric approach, serving millions of motorists and the commuting public.

Santa Maria will likewise pursue MPTC’s expansion abroad, particularly in Indonesia and Vietnam.

He brings with him more than three decades of leadership experience. Part of his notable track record was his stint with Philippine Airlines, holding the position of president and chief operating officer.

MPIC noted that Santa Maria “guided the flag carrier through a successful business pivot and Chapter 11 restructuring during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

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He succeeded Jose Maria Lim, who assumed the role of interim president to help stabilize MPTC’s leadership. Lim will remain as a director of MPTC and MPIC.

MPTC is the biggest toll road developer in the local market, with a current portfolio of tollways that includes the North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway, Cavite-Laguna Expressway, Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway and NLEx Connector Road.