The Philippine gaming regulator has declared that lawyer Wilma Eisma has taken on the mantle of president and chief operating officer (COO), marking the first time a woman has assumed these roles.
As per an official statement, Ms. Eisma was sworn into office in the presence of the government’s executive secretary, Lucas Bersamin, on Thursday at Malacañang Palace, the official residence and workplace of the nation’s head of state.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor) operates public-sector casinos and oversees those in the commercial sector.
“We are happy to welcome attorney Wilma Eisma as Pagcor’s new president and COO. We know she will be a great asset, and her vast experience in both the government and private sectors will surely be put to good use here
Alejandro Tengco, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO
Ms. Eisma takes over from Juanito Sanosa Jr., who stepped down in January as Pagcor’s president and COO. Previously, Ms. Eisma served on the board of directors of the Development Bank of the Philippines and held administrative and chairmanship positions at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
In the private sector, she held leadership roles at PMFTC Inc., the Philippine arm of Philip Morris International. Additionally, Ms. Eisma held key positions in the Department of Trade and Industry and the Office of the Majority Leader in the House of Representatives.
Pagcor is presently engaged in modernizing its Casino Filipino chain before initiating the disposal process of its network of land-based venues. The divestment of public-sector casinos aims to allow Pagcor to concentrate on its regulatory responsibilities.