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Elizabeth Sy
Global Rank
#2650

Image: Australian National Maritime Museum on The Commons | No restrictions | via Wikimedia Commons

Elizabeth Sy

CEO, Diversified
PHILIPPINES
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.377B
Estimated based on Diversified stock value as of March 6, 2026
-1.06% (24h)
Age
73
Source
Diversified
Industry
Diversified
Citizenship
PHILIPPINES

Biography

Elizabeth Sy is a prominent Filipino businesswoman known for her pivotal role in the SM Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in retail, banking, and property. As the president and chairman of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), she oversees the company's portfolio of hotels and convention centers, driving significant growth in the tourism and hospitality sectors. With a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Maryknoll College (now Miriam College), Sy has a clear vision for success, implementing innovations and improvements across SMHCC properties. Her leadership style, characterized by an empathetic approach, has earned her recognition, including the Tourism Personality Award from Skål International. Additionally, she serves as an advisor to SM Investments Corp. and SM Prime Holdings, demonstrating her influence within the family's business empire and her commitment to heritage preservation and sustainable tourism. In 2025, Forbes estimates her net worth to be $1.7 billion.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Elizabeth Sy was born in 1952, the second child of Henry Sy Sr., the founder of the SM Group, and Felicidad Tan. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Maryknoll College (now Miriam College).

Rise to Success

Elizabeth Sy has carved her own path to success within the SM Group. She started her career as an assistant at her father's first hotel business, the Manila Royal Hotel. Now she serves as the president and chairman of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), the hotel and convention arm of the SM Group. Under her leadership, SMHCC has grown significantly.

Key Business Strategies

Elizabeth Sy's leadership emphasizes an empathetic approach, fostering a collaborative environment. She focuses on innovation and improvements across SMHCC properties to provide exceptional hospitality. Sy is also an advocate for sustainable tourism and community engagement, which is reflected in her efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the company's hotels and convention centers by as much as 40 percent since 2019.

Philanthropy

Elizabeth Sy is involved in various philanthropic initiatives, including serving as an active board of trustee of the World Wildlife Fund.

Career Milestones

2012

Advisor of SM Investments

Appointed as an advisor of SM Investments.

2008

President and Chairman of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.

Oversees the management and growth of SMHCC's hotel and convention properties.

2019

Skål International Tourism Personality Award

Received the Tourism Personality Award in the hotel category.

2020

UN Peace Center Designation

Taal Vista Hotel earned the designation of UN Peace Center and Global Citizens Hub.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Environment

World Wildlife Fund

Undisclosed

Serves as an active board of trustee.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“Though it is an old structure, I was determined that it should not feel worn-out.”"

Leadership Principles

Empathetic Management

Lends a listening ear, an open mind, and an understanding perspective to her work, inspiring the team to do their best.

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