The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) has named Celeste B. Ilagan as president and CEO-designate, making her the first woman to lead the industry organization.
Ilagan will succeed outgoing president and CEO Jack Madrid effective Oct. 11, 2026. Madrid, who will be joining speech AI company Sanas, will remain in his post until Oct. 10 and work with Ilagan and IBPAP board chairperson Ayhee Campos during the transition.
“Celeste’s experience and deep understanding of our industry will provide both continuity and strong leadership as we navigate the opportunities and disruptions brought by AI and the shift toward higher-value work,” Campos said.
Ilagan has nearly three decades of experience in the Philippine IT-business process management industry. She began her career in investment promotion at the Board of Investments, where she helped attract early IT-BPM and shared-services investments to the country.
She served two terms on the IBPAP Board of Trustees from 2019 to 2022 before joining the association’s management team in 2022 as chief policy and regulatory affairs officer. She later became chief operating officer.
At IBPAP, Ilagan handled the industry’s policy and legislative agenda, investor and member engagement, and dealings with government agencies and international stakeholders.
She also oversees the group’s talent and workforce development programs, including its work with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Higher Education, and Department of Education on the Enterprise-Based Education and Training framework.
IBPAP credited Ilagan with leading its advocacy for the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy, or CREATE MORE Act, as well as efforts to address tax issues under Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 05-2024.
Her work also included engagements with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Anti-Red Tape Authority on ease of doing business, cybersecurity partnerships with law enforcement agencies, and discussions with PhilHealth on healthcare costs affecting IT-BPM workers.
Ilagan’s appointment comes as the Philippine IT-BPM sector faces pressure to adapt its workforce and services to generative AI, automation, and growing demand for higher-value work.
Madrid’s departure will end his tenure as the association’s chief advocate and representative in engagements with the government and international organizations.
“On behalf of the entire IBPAP community, I extend our deepest gratitude to Jack for his dedication and lasting contributions to our industry, and wish him continued success ahead,” Campos said.
