Gilbert Santa Maria Named New MPTC President and CEO

Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) has announced the appointment of Gilbert Gabriel F. Santa Maria as President and Chief Executive Officer of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), effective September 1, 2025.

Santa Maria is best known for leading Philippine Airlines through its Chapter 11 restructuring during the COVID-19 pandemic, a testament to his crisis-tested leadership. (Illustrator: RIZ)

Santa Maria steps into the role following the interim stewardship of Jose Maria K. Lim, who will continue serving as Director of MPTC and MPIC along with their subsidiaries and affiliates.

His appointment signals a new phase for the country’s largest toll road developer and operator, as it pursues expansion in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

A Leader for Growth and Service

As the new head of MPTC, Santa Maria will be responsible for strengthening the company’s customer-focused strategy while ensuring operational efficiency across its growing portfolio.

The group currently manages major expressways including NLEX, SCTEX, CAVITEX, CALAX, CCLEX, and the NLEX Connector Road. Its international footprint covers toll road and infrastructure investments in Indonesia and Vietnam.

MPIC said the leadership transition comes at a pivotal time, with rising demand for efficient road networks to support economic activity and improve commuter experience.

Storied Career Across Industries

Santa Maria brings more than three decades of management experience across diverse industries, including aviation, outsourcing, consumer goods, and investment management.

He began his career as a management trainee with Unilever Philippines in 1987 and later built an international résumé spanning New York, Singapore, California, Washington, and Manila.

He held leadership roles at Booz Allen & Hamilton, Pepsi Cola Products Philippines, and Argosy Partners before moving into the technology and outsourcing space. His senior positions included stints at Stream Global Services, Etelecare Global Solutions, and Ayala’s LIVEIT Investments.

He later became Chief Operating Officer of IBEX Global in Washington, DC.

Perhaps most prominently, Santa Maria served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Philippine Airlines (PAL) from 2019 to 2022. He led Asia’s oldest airline through the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw its successful Chapter 11 restructuring.

His tenure is remembered for balancing financial discipline with the operational challenges of keeping the airline afloat during a global crisis.

Recent Appointments and Transitions

MPTC also announced changes across its leadership ranks. Luis Reñon was named President and General Manager of NLEX Corporation. Andrew Pangilinan of Metro Pacific Water will concurrently lead MPT South, which manages CAVITEX and CALAX.

Meanwhile, Marisa Conde, Vice President for Technical Finance at MPIC, has been appointed Officer-in-Charge and interim Chief Finance Officer of MPTC.

These changes highlight MPIC’s strategy of aligning leadership talent across its core businesses to drive synergies in infrastructure, water, and transport.

Recognition and Continuity

For The Financial District (TFD), Santa Maria’s appointment resonates with a sense of continuity. He was one of the very first CEOs who agreed to be featured when the publication was starting in the Philippines, lending both credibility and inspiration to its early coverage.

His return to the spotlight, now as the head of a critical infrastructure player, underscores his ongoing relevance in the country’s corporate landscape.

With Santa Maria at the helm, MPTC is expected to continue its mission of connecting people and places, supporting national progress, and expanding its presence in Southeast Asia.