Hailing the Cream of the Crop

MANILA, Philippines - FINEX, in partnership with ING Bank N.V. (Manila Branch), is once again honoring this year’s top CFO awardee. Ever since this venture started three years ago, we have always resorted to analogies in depicting the characteristics of the CFO awardee. 

We have used the theme of “Brillance” in relation to transparency and excellence for 2007 and the theme of “Timeless Honor” in reference to endurance and agelessness for 2008. This year we have appropriately chosen “Testament to Resilience” as the theme and the bamboo as the symbol in depicting an important character of the CFO.

Why the bamboo? We all know that the bamboo plant is a great symbol of resilience because of its ability to bend, but not break, with the wind. It can grow quickly and adapt easily in any weather and environment. In other words, it exemplifies versatility. The bamboo is an epitome of strength because of its outer layer that is comparable with hardwood yet its inner layer remains loose, fragile, and does not swell or shrink.

As everybody knows, businesses this year faced many challenges brought about by the domino effect of the global economic crisis. Survivors undoubtedly relied so much on presence of mind, fortitude, perseverance and strategic mindsets of their respective CFOs. Some may even end up as unsung heroes in their companies but will not waver in the quest to find more ways to implement different approaches and make their companies run better. Today’s CFO remains grounded and focused on the job, like a bamboo pillar of the company he supports.

Fittingly, SM Investments Corporation EVP and CFO Jose T. Sio has emerged as the 2009 choice for the ING-FINEX CFO of the Year. Sio is a visionary whose dynamic leadership and skills in all aspects of finance has been instrumental in steering the company forward amidst the continuing challenges in the economy.

It is my hope that this effort by ING and FINEX to honor the top CFO yearly will continue to encourage all people in finance, FINEX and non-FINEX members as well as all Senior and Junior Finance Executives, to strive in their personal and professional development and excel in their fields. Who knows, they are just a dream away from ultimately becoming successful CEOs in the future.