It was in 2023 that the Philippine real estate industry reached a new milestone. Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), one of the country’s largest and most diversified property developers, appointed Anna Ma. Margarita “Meean” Dy as its first female president and CEO.
With over two decades of experience within the organisation, Meean’s elevation to the top role reflected both strategic continuity and confidence in her proven leadership. Less than a year into her appointment, Meean has already demonstrated clear results, combining operational discipline with a long-term, forward-looking approach.
A Career Built on Operational Depth and Strategy
Meean joined Ayala Land in 2004 and gradually rose through a series of key leadership positions. She served as Vice President of Corporate Planning and then moved on to lead Strategic Landbank Management, Residential Business, and Malls Group operations. She became Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in early 2023 before being named President and CEO later that year.
Prior to Ayala Land, Meean worked at IBM, Benpres Holdings, and Bain & Company, where she built a foundation in operations, finance, and strategic consulting—skills that would later shape her pragmatic leadership style.
Her academic credentials further reinforce this approach: a Bachelor of Arts in Economics (magna cum laude) from Ateneo de Manila University, a master’s in economics from the London School of Economics, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Strong Start, Steady Focus
Since taking over, Meean has overseen solid financial performance. In the first half of 2024, Ayala Land reported a 15% growth in net income, reaching ₱13.1 billion. Residential revenues grew by 22% in 2023, reflecting sustained demand driven by the country’s young demographics and ongoing urbanisation.
Under her leadership, the company launched a mix of vertical and horizontal developments valued at ₱45.6 billion in 2024. Notable projects include Orchard Vistas at Anvaya Cove, Brookside Park in Laguna, and Sentria Storeys in Vermosa, all reflecting Ayala Land’s continued focus on integrated and sustainable urban developments.
Leadership Approach: Analytical and Inclusive
Meean is known for her calm and methodical leadership. Colleagues often describe her as data-driven, results-orientated, and grounded. She places a strong emphasis on institutional alignment, operational efficiency, and risk-balanced expansion.
She is also a strong advocate of inclusive leadership. Today, over 53% of Ayala Land’s workforce is female, and women comprise four out of nine members of the company’s Management Committee. While Meean’s own appointment broke ground, she has quietly continued to foster an environment where talent and capability are the basis of advancement.
As Chairperson of key subsidiaries such as Avida Land, Alveo Land, and Ayala Land International Sales, as well as AREIT, Inc. and AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp., she maintains oversight over a wide portfolio—spanning residential, commercial, logistics, and REIT operations.
ESG and Sustainability in Focus
Environmental sustainability remains a priority for Meean. She continues to advance Ayala Land’s commitment to carbon neutrality, green building practices, and climate-resilient developments. Her focus on integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards across operations reflects the company’s long-term view on value creation and risk management.
Beyond environmental targets, Meean promotes shared prosperity through projects that integrate housing, mobility, retail, and job opportunities—particularly in mixed-use estates like Nuvali, Arca South, and Vertis North.
Recognitions and Broader Industry Influence
Meean’s leadership has received both national and international recognition. She was named Asia’s Best CEO at the 14th Asian Excellence Awards in 2024, featured in the 2023 Forbes Asia Power Businesswomen list, and ranked 73rd on Fortune Asia’s Most Powerful Women.
While she doesn’t often seek the spotlight, these recognitions signal her growing influence within the broader business and property development community—not just as a capable executive, but as a strategic thinker navigating one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic real estate markets.
Steady Execution, Measured Growth
Today, Meean remains committed to growing Ayala Land’s footprint responsibly, leveraging internal capabilities, partnerships, and long-term capital allocation. By maintaining a clear alignment between business performance and societal impact, Meean is helping shape Ayala Land’s next chapter, not through dramatic reinvention, but through sustained, data-backed, and stakeholder-driven growth.
She brings to the role a combination of strategic insight, operational experience, and governance discipline. And as Ayala Land continues to evolve, Meean’s leadership is positioning the company to remain agile, competitive, and purpose-driven.
