Joanne Rico – Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

Thoughtleader – Joanne Rico

Marketing Professional

Driven to succeed, even from a young age, Joanne Rico got her first break at a leadership position at the age of 23.  As the Advertising and Promotions Manager of convenience store chain Ministop in the Philippines, she played a pivotal role in the brand’s climb, overtaking 7-Eleven to land the number one position.

Fast forward 15 years later, after a successful stint in Qatar, and market-pioneering Burjeel Hospitals in Abu Dhabi, she is now Head of Marketing and Sales at Bareen International Hospital of NMC Healthcare, one of the UAE’s largest healthcare providers.  In her capacity, Joanne has facilitated footfall and profit growth, enabling the company to move to expansion from one to eight branches in a short span of time. Joanne says of her success, “I am honored to be able to elevate the Filipina image not only in the healthcare industry but also in the field of Marketing and Business Development in the Arab region. It is very challenging to be a prime mover and break glass ceilings to create valuable space where Filipinas are taken as a strong force in the field of business in the Gulf.”

Joanne’s greatest dream is to give back to the Filipino community, which made her an instrument of change. Supporting the rights of underprivileged children to education is her advocacy and she has been a sponsor of World Vision Philippines for more than 14 years.  She also shares her knowledge as a speaker on subjects such as marketing, business development, personal finance, investments, and career growth.

Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf is Supported by: Kaya Skin Clinic,  Emirates Airline, and Unilever.

Special Thanks to Michael Cinco, Ezra Couture , Giordano, Darcey Flowers, IKON Solutions, Victors Freight, MPQ Tourism, Asia Gulf Companies –La Carne & Filfood, WOL Water

Get a copy of Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition