Manny Maceda’s appointment marks a pivotal moment, breaking new ground and paving the way for a future of leadership defined by innovation, forward-thinking strategies, and lasting impact. Bain.com
Global consulting firm Bain & Company has announced the appointment of Emmanuel “Manny” Maceda as its new Chairman, effective February 13, 2025. This milestone makes Maceda the first individual of Asian descent to hold this esteemed position within the company. With a career at Bain spanning over three decades, Maceda has played a pivotal role in driving the firm’s growth and innovation.
Distinguished Leadership at Bain & Company
Maceda’s appointment follows a lineage of notable leaders, including Mitt Romney, who served as Bain’s CEO in the early 1990s and was instrumental in restructuring the firm during a critical financial period. Another influential figure is Orit Gadiesh, who held the Chairman role for more than three decades and now assumes the title of Chair Emeritus. Under her leadership, Bain strengthened its global strategy and upheld its culture of collaboration and excellence.
From Manila to Global Leadership
Born in 1963 during his father’s academic tenure at Harvard, Maceda was raised in the Philippines. He is the eldest son of the late Senator Ernesto Maceda, a prominent Filipino politician, and Marichu Vera-Perez Maceda, whose family owned Sampaguita Pictures, a significant entity in the Philippine film industry. Growing up in an environment steeped in public service and business, Maceda developed a strong foundation in leadership and resilience.
He pursued his early education at La Salle Greenhills in Manila before moving to the United States. Maceda earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, magna cum laude, from the Illinois Institute of Technology, followed by a master’s degree in management from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
A Defining Encounter with Jack Welch
A pivotal moment in Maceda’s early career occurred during his time at MIT Sloan, where he organized an event featuring Jack Welch, the legendary former CEO of General Electric. During the event, an individual disrupted the proceedings by throwing a smoke-emitting canister onto the stage. Displaying remarkable composure, Maceda swiftly removed the canister, ensuring the safety of attendees.
Impressed by Maceda’s quick thinking and leadership under pressure, Welch offered him positions at General Electric. However, Maceda had already committed to joining Bain & Company and chose to honor that commitment. This early display of crisis management and dedication set the stage for his remarkable career at Bain.
A Trailblazing Career at Bain & Company
Maceda joined Bain & Company in 1989 as a consultant and steadily ascended the ranks, holding key leadership positions, including:
- Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Region — Spearheading Bain’s expansion across Asia.
- Global Leader of the Full Potential Transformation Group — Overseeing large-scale business transformation projects worldwide.
- Head of the Performance Improvement Practice — Driving initiatives to enhance client performance and efficiency.
- Global Recruiting Leader — Leading efforts to attract top-tier talent to the firm.
In 2018, Maceda was appointed Worldwide Managing Partner, a role he held until June 30, 2024. Under his leadership, Bain experienced a period of accelerated growth, doubling its size and advancing its capabilities in technology and artificial intelligence. He also reinforced Bain’s collaborative culture, earning the firm multiple accolades as one of the world’s best workplaces.
Steering Bain & Company into the Future
As Chairman, Maceda is set to lead Bain into its next phase of growth and innovation, with a focus on:
- Advancing digital and AI capabilities to address evolving client needs.
- Expanding global partnerships to strengthen Bain’s international presence.
- Enhancing sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.
- Cultivating leadership and diversity within the organization.
Reflecting on his new role, Maceda expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to Bain’s future:
“I’m energized by the exciting future for Bain, and I’m looking forward as Chair to supporting Christophe [Christophe De Vusser, Bain’s Worldwide Managing Partner] and our extraordinary people worldwide in delivering still more inspiring success stories with our clients.”
Family Life
Beyond his professional achievements, Maceda is a devoted family man. He is married to Lyra Rufino Maceda, and together they have raised a close-knit family. The couple has four children, whom they have instilled with strong values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance. Despite his demanding career, Maceda prioritizes quality time with his family, balancing his global leadership responsibilities with his role as a husband and father. His family remains a vital source of support and inspiration throughout his journey.
Bain & Company: A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1973 by Bill Bain, a former partner at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Bain & Company built its reputation on a results-driven, hands-on approach to consulting. Unlike traditional firms that primarily provided strategic reports, Bain became known for working alongside clients to implement impactful changes and drive long-term success.
Today, Bain remains committed to delivering exceptional value to clients by pioneering industry innovations and fostering strategic collaborations. Its “insurgent mindset” enables it to partner with ambitious businesses to redefine industries and achieve extraordinary results.
Beyond its consulting services, Bain upholds a strong commitment to social impact, working with mission-driven organizations to address critical global challenges. Through pro bono consulting and strategic partnerships, Bain contributes to meaningful advancements in education, economic development, and sustainability.
With Manny Maceda’s leadership, Bain & Company stands ready to embrace the future, continuing its tradition of excellence while adapting to the ever-changing business landscape.
Ranked the #1 consulting firm in North America by Vault for four consecutive years and recognized among the World’s Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes. It is a global leader in strategy, innovation, and business transformation. Bain.com
