October 30, 2025 | 10:47am
MANILA, Philippines — The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has a new leader at the helm after Thai businesswoman Anne Jakrajutatip stepped down as chief executive officer earlier this year.
Following the recent restructuring of the board of directors at Anne’s JKN Global Group in Thailand, Mario Búcaro has been appointed as her successor.
In a statement issued last October 29, the MUO thanked Anne — who stepped down last June — for her “visionary leadership and dedication, which greatly enhanced MUO’s global presence and commitment to inclusion and diversity.
“Her efforts have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire the organization’s mission as she now focuses on her family,” the MUO added.
Mario previously served as the MUO’s Vice President for International Relations and led the launch of the “Beyond the Crown” initiative promoting women’s leadership, education, entrepreneurship and social impact beyond the annual pageant.
On the diplomatic front, Mario served as Guatemala’s minister of foreign affairs, represented Guatemala as ambassador to Israel and Mexico and was concurrent ambassador to Bulgaria and Cyprus.
“As CEO, Mario will reinforce MUO’s commitment to excellence and inclusivity while enhancing its global outreach,” the organization continued. “His leadership will focus on strengthening international collaborations, expanding the organization’s presence… and enriching the candidate experience while upholding integrity and fairness.
RELATED: Ahtisa Manalo grateful to fans for upcoming Miss Universe bid
MUO added Mario will also work to amplify its social impact initiatives, empowering women and fostering leadership development through innovation, social responsibility and global engagement programs.
Mario joins MUO president Raúl Rocha in leading the organization, which implemented structural adjustments designed to strengthen internal management and enhance operational efficiency.
The appointment comes just a few weeks before the 74th Miss Universe pageant is set to take place in Anne’s home country of Thailand.
Miss Universe 2025 candidates are due to arrive in Thailand in the coming days including the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo, who is hoping to win the country’s fifth-ever title.
Coincidentally, the last time the Philippines won was in 2018, when Thailand last hosted, by Ahtisa’s Binibining Pilipinas batchmate Catriona Gray.
Filipino clothing brand Bench was recently announced as the official swimsuit partner for this year’s pageant.
RELATED: Vietnam sends Asia’s 1st trans contestant to Miss Universe 2025
