Island Pacific Supermarket has named Maite Defensor as CEO, the West Coast ethnic supermarket chain announced Friday.
Defensor succeeds Niño Jefferson Lim, Island Pacific’s founder, who served as the grocer’s CEO until last year.
Formerly president and CEO of the Philippine National Construction Corporation, Defensor launched Island Pacific Global, Inc., an entity established to provide back-office services to the retailer, according to a press release about her appointment. Defensor also served in the Philippines’ House of Representatives.
“Maite’s unique qualifications, combining her extensive business acumen with her commitment to operational excellence, position her perfectly to drive strategic prioritization within our company,” Matt Ranillo, chairman of Island Pacific’s board, said in a statement. “We are confident that under Maite’s guidance, Island Pacific will ascend to new heights of success, continuing to innovate and excel in serving our community.”
Defensor’s appointment follows Island Pacific’s announcement last July that it had named Christine Peebles as chief marketing officer.
Island Pacific, which focuses on Filipino and Asian foods, operates 19 locations in California and Nevada. The company opened its newest store in Granada Hills, California, last August.
