Our People

Leadership

Meet the experienced professionals driving Hipbiz Holdings' strategic vision and operational excellence.

Governance

Board of Directors

Our Board brings decades of combined experience in finance, law, governance, and strategic management to guide the company's long-term direction.

Azhar Aslam Khan

Azhar Aslam Khan

Chairman of the Board

Visionary leader and founder of Hipbiz Holdings, Inc. with over 30 years of experience in corporate finance, strategic management, and international business development across the Asia-Pacific region.

Maria Elena C. Reyes

Maria Elena C. Reyes

Vice Chairperson

Distinguished career spanning over 25 years in corporate governance, regulatory affairs, and institutional leadership. Previously served as commissioner at the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission, where she championed transparency reforms and investor protection initiatives. A trusted advisor on board governance and compliance across multiple publicly listed companies.

James T. Lim

James T. Lim

Independent Director

James T. Lim serves as an Independent Director of Hipbiz Holdings, Inc., bringing extensive experience in corporate governance, strategic planning, financial oversight, and business leadership. With a distinguished career spanning senior management, business advisory, investment evaluation, and corporate development, Mr. Lim has worked with organisations across diverse industries, helping businesses strengthen governance frameworks, improve operational performance, and identify opportunities for strategic expansion. As Independent Director, Mr. Lim plays an important role in safeguarding shareholder interests, promoting sound decision-making, and ensuring that the Board maintains the highest standards of integrity and corporate responsibility.

Amara D. Santos

Amara D. Santos

Independent Director

Amara D. Santos serves as an Independent Director of Hipbiz Holdings, Inc., providing independent oversight, strategic guidance, and governance leadership. With extensive experience in business management, corporate governance, stakeholder engagement, and organisational development, Ms. Santos brings a balanced and objective perspective to Board deliberations. She contributes to the review of investment opportunities, risk management policies, corporate governance practices, and business development initiatives while maintaining an independent and impartial approach to Board responsibilities. Ms. Santos is recognised for her commitment to ethical leadership, accountability, and operational excellence.

Management

Executive Team

Our executive leadership team combines deep industry expertise with operational excellence to drive performance across our portfolio.

Daniel R. Cruz

Daniel R. Cruz

President & CEO

Visionary leader with 20+ years driving strategic growth across diversified sectors. Previously held senior positions at major Philippine conglomerates.

Catherine A. Tan

Catherine A. Tan

Chief Financial Officer

Expert in corporate finance and capital markets. Former investment banking executive with deep expertise in M&A and structured finance.

Marco V. Gonzales

Marco V. Gonzales

Chief Operating Officer

Operations specialist with a track record of scaling businesses across Southeast Asia. Expertise in technology integration and process optimization.

Patricia L. Aquino

Patricia L. Aquino

Chief Legal & Compliance Officer

Seasoned legal professional specializing in corporate law, regulatory compliance, and governance. Former senior associate at an international law firm.

Rafael M. Dizon

Rafael M. Dizon

Chief Investment Officer

Seasoned investment professional with deep expertise in private equity, venture capital, and corporate development across Asia-Pacific markets. Rafael has led and structured over $500 million in transactions spanning growth equity, leveraged buyouts, and strategic acquisitions. Prior to joining Hipbiz Holdings, he served as Managing Director at a leading regional investment bank, where he built and managed a high-performing deals team focused on emerging market opportunities. His analytical rigor, extensive industry network, and disciplined approach to value creation drive the company's investment strategy and portfolio performance.

Isabella G. Navarro

Isabella G. Navarro

Chief Strategy Officer

Strategy executive with experience at leading global consulting firms. Expert in market entry strategy, digital transformation, and M&A integration.

Strategic Counsel

Advisory Board

Distinguished advisors providing strategic counsel on economics, technology, and governance matters.

Prof. Antonio B. Reyes

Prof. Antonio B. Reyes

Senior Advisor – Education, Research & Strategic Development

Prof. Antonio B. Reyes is a distinguished academic, researcher, and strategic advisor with extensive experience in higher education, research, and organisational development. Having served in leadership and academic roles within leading universities and educational institutions, he has dedicated his career to advancing knowledge, innovation, and industry-academic collaboration.

As Senior Advisor to Hipbiz Holdings, Inc., Prof. Reyes provides strategic guidance on education, research partnerships, talent development, and innovation-driven growth initiatives. His expertise supports the Company's commitment to building sustainable enterprises through knowledge, technology, and human capital development.

Prof. Reyes is widely respected for his contributions to executive education, strategic planning, and the development of future business leaders, bringing valuable insight and perspective to the Group's long-term vision and growth strategy.

Areas of Expertise: Higher Education & Academic Leadership • Research & Innovation • Strategic Planning • Executive Education • Organisational Development • Industry-Academic Collaboration

Dr. Sarah K. Mendoza

Dr. Sarah K. Mendoza

Technology Advisor

Dr. Sarah K. Mendoza serves as Technology Advisor to Hipbiz Holdings, Inc., providing strategic guidance on digital transformation, emerging technologies, innovation, and technology-driven business opportunities across the Group's portfolio.

A forward-thinking technology professional, Dr. Mendoza has developed expertise in enterprise technologies, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and business process transformation. She works closely with the Board and management team to evaluate technological trends, identify growth opportunities, and support the adoption of solutions that enhance operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness.

Known for her innovative mindset and practical approach to technology implementation, Dr. Mendoza helps position Hipbiz Holdings to capitalise on emerging opportunities while building future-ready businesses in an increasingly digital global economy.

Gen. (Ret.) Eduardo P. Torres

Gen. (Ret.) Eduardo P. Torres

Governance Advisor

Distinguished public servant and retired military general with over three decades of experience in institutional governance, national security, and strategic planning. Gen. Torres served in senior leadership positions within the Philippine Armed Forces, where he oversaw large-scale operations, inter-agency coordination, and organizational reform initiatives. Following his military career, he transitioned into the private sector as a governance consultant, advising major corporations and government-linked entities on risk management, compliance frameworks, and crisis preparedness. His strategic acumen and disciplined approach to institutional building bring invaluable perspective to Hipbiz Holdings' governance standards and long-term resilience planning.