Mary Ann Say, former Chief Financial Officer of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® and now SVP for Corporate Development of the Jollibee Group, was named CFO of the Year by the Los Angeles Business Journal for private company category.
Jollibee Group executive Mary Ann Say has earned top honors as the 2025 Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Year in the private company category from the Los Angeles Business Journal, one of the most respected business publications in the United States. The recognition highlights Say’s outstanding leadership as former CFO of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® (CBTL), the flagship coffee and tea brand under the Jollibee Group.
Say joined CBTL in 2020—just weeks before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic—following the brand’s acquisition by a Jollibee Foods Corporation subsidiary. As employee number one of the newly established global organization, she was tasked to set up CBTL’s global headquarters in Singapore, steer its finance transformation, and ensure stability during one of the most challenging times in the company’s history.
Before joining the Jollibee Group, Say held key leadership positions at Hong Kong Disneyland, Philip Morris International, and Procter & Gamble. She now serves as Senior Vice President for Corporate Development under Jollibee Group’s Global Finance.
Under her direction, CBTL built a strong and agile finance organization that became a magnet for top talent and a training ground for future industry leaders. Say managed a diverse team of more than 30 finance professionals across the United States, Malaysia, Singapore, and Ireland—instilling a culture of collaboration and innovation that strengthened CBTL’s financial foundation and fueled its global growth.
Her impact was reflected in the numbers: CBTL posted a 15% year-on-year revenue increase, achieved working capital optimization across inventory and receivables, and consistently exceeded EBITDA targets despite economic disruptions.
“This recognition is both personal and professional for me,” Say shared. “It proves that Filipino talent is global—able to excel and make an impact anywhere—especially with the trust and encouragement of the Jollibee Group’s leadership to step onto that stage.”
Beyond her executive success, Say is passionate about mentoring the next generation of finance professionals. “Trust yourself with responsibility earlier than you think you’re ready,” she advised. “Growth happens when you take on challenges that feel just a bit bigger than your comfort zone—that’s where you discover your real capacity.”
“Mary Ann’s recognition reflects the passion, excellence, and commitment of our leaders,” said Richard Shin, Chief Executive Officer of Jollibee Group International. “Her achievements continue to inspire our teams across markets and drive meaningful impact in the communities we serve.”