Teresita Sy-Coson Business and Family Business
Who is Teresita “Tessie” Sy-Coson
Teresita “Tessie” Sy-Coson is one of the Philippines’ most influential business leaders and the key force behind the vast SM Group of Companies founded by her father, Henry Sy Sr. She is widely recognized for her leadership in banking, retail, philanthropy, and corporate governance. Unlike many entrepreneurs with separate private ventures, Sy-Coson’s career is deeply integrated into the SM Group’s corporate ecosystem, where she holds senior executive and strategic roles at virtually every major arm of the conglomerate.
What is Teresita Sy-Coson Business
| Business / Venture Name | Sector / Industry | Co-Owners / Partners | Status / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) | Banking & Financial Services | SM Group / Sy Family | Chairperson. She led BDO’s rise from a mid-sized bank into the largest bank in the Philippines, dominating assets, deposits, and capital. |
| SM Retail, Inc. | Retail | SM Group | Chairperson. Oversees The SM Store, supermarkets, and specialty retail brands – the core of the SM empire. |
| BDO Private Bank, Inc. | Financial Services | SM Group | Holds senior board/management roles, focusing on high-net-worth banking. |
| BDO Leasing & Finance; BDO Capital & Investment Corp. | Financial Services | SM Group | Board/management roles across multiple BDO subsidiaries. |
| SM Foundation, Inc. | Philanthropy | SM Group | Vice Chairperson. Oversees the group’s social impact programs for education, healthcare, and community development. |
| ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC) | Public Sector / Regional Trade | Regional Private Sector Leaders | Served as the Philippine representative, advising on ASEAN economic and trade policy. |
What is Teresita Sy-Coson Family Business
| Business Name | Sector / Industry | Family Member Connection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) | Conglomerate / Holding Company | Sy Family (Tessie is Vice Chairperson) | The flagship holding company behind the family’s investments in retail, banking, property, and emerging ventures. |
| SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPH) | Property & Mall Development | Adviser to the Board | Operates all SM malls (SM Supermalls), hotels, residences, and commercial properties. |
| SM Development Corporation (SMDC) | Residential Property Development | Under SM Prime | Focuses on affordable, high-density housing projects across the Philippines. |
| Portfolio Investments (via SMIC) | Logistics, Renewable Energy, Fintech, Digital Infrastructure | Sy Family | SMIC invests in high-growth industries supporting the country’s economic modernization. |
| Shoemart / SM (Historical) | Retail (Shoes) | Founded by Henry Sy Sr.; Tessie worked there early | The original shoe store that became the foundation of the entire SM empire. |
Beyond their core ventures, Teresita Sy-Coson Business and Family Business portfolio may include smaller enterprises or investments – reflecting their extensive entrepreneurial legacy.
If you are the person featured on this page or an official representative, you may request an update. Please email us at benjie@filipinobusinesshub.com or reach out via our contact form to submit changes or corrections.