Jollibee Group’s Atty. Vera Marie “Vem” Bautista-King, General Counsel for Corporate & Commercial Global, continues to earn recognition across Asia and the Philippines as a leader in corporate law, most recently named finalist for In-House Lawyer of the Year and Woman Lawyer of the Year at the ALB Philippine Law Awards.
Atty. Vera Marie Vem Bautista-King is proving that world-class legal leadership can be proudly Filipino. The Jollibee Group’s General Counsel for Corporate & Commercial Global, EMEAA, and Legal Business Partner for Global and Philippines has earned multiple distinctions from top Asian legal institutions—solidifying her place among the region’s most influential young lawyers.
Bautista-King was recently named to Asian Legal Business (ALB) Asia’s 40 Under 40, the only Filipino in-house counsel to make the prestigious list. Her recognition follows earlier nods as finalist for both In-House Lawyer of the Year and Woman Lawyer of the Year at the ALB Philippine Law Awards.
In 2023, she also appeared on Legal 500’s inaugural GC Powerlist Philippines, joining four senior Jollibee Group legal leaders acknowledged for top-tier excellence.
These accolades underscore her growing regional impact—one that aligns with the Jollibee Group’s continuous push toward global growth, stronger governance, and international market expansion.
Over her eight-year journey with the company, Bautista-King has risen from manager to a global leadership role handling Corporate & Commercial, Governance, M&A, Capital Markets, Franchising, EMEAA expansion, and Ethics. Her strategic counsel played a central role in Jollibee’s acquisition of South Korea’s Compose Coffee, awarded Best M&A Transaction in Korea (2024).
She also helped steer Jollibee Food Corporation’s return to the global bond market with its $300-million senior unsecured guaranteed bond in 2025.
Beyond the boardroom, she has championed the Jollibee Group’s drive to become a franchisor of choice worldwide, strengthening processes, opening new EMEAA markets, and bringing international franchise brands to the Philippines.
For ALB, its 40 Under 40 list honors young legal professionals who are redefining corporate law across Asia. Bautista-King’s inclusion not only highlights her high-impact work but also reflects the Jollibee Group Legal, Ethics, and Compliance team’s reputation as one of the region’s most consistently recognized in-house teams.
She describes the recognition as both a professional validation and a personal milestone. It affirms the excellence of the legal work delivered across the Jollibee Group—and sets an example for her young children on integrity, perseverance, and leadership.
Her message to aspiring lawyers, especially women, is straightforward: strive for excellence, keep learning, and build strong teams that grow together. She credits her mentor, Atty. Valerie Amante, and her core deal teammates in Corplan for helping drive many milestone projects.
Atty. Amante, the Jollibee Group’s Global Chief Legal, Ethics, and Compliance Officer, says Bautista-King’s achievements reflect the company’s commitment to developing homegrown talent capable of leading on the world stage. Her success, she adds, represents the strength and integrity of the entire legal organization—one dedicated to governance, ethical leadership, and excellence across all global markets.