Cebuana Lhuillier CMO Michael Sena Named Asia-Pacific’s Most Innovative Marketing Leader at NEXT Awards 2025

POSTED BY: Lionell Go Macahilig
2025-12-29 16:56:01 PHT

Cebuana Lhuillier marked a defining milestone at the NEXT Awards 2025 as its First Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Emirosco Michael Sena, was honored with the Asia-Pacific Gold for Most Innovative Marketing Leader of the Year. His regional win capped a remarkable night that also saw Cebuana Lhuillier sweep national categories and earn the prestigious Grand Prix for Brand of the Year at the Philippine edition of the competition, following an earlier national Silver recognition for him as Most Innovative Marketing Leader of the Year.

The NEXT Awards recognize marketing innovation and effectiveness across the Philippines, with national winners advancing to the Asia-Pacific level. Sena’s victory places him among the most forward-thinking marketing leaders in Asia-Pacific and reflects Cebuana Lhuillier’s expanding influence beyond the Philippines. His leadership has been central in driving the company’s people-led, purpose-driven marketing philosophy, resulting in campaigns that uplift communities while strengthening brand trust.

Under Sena’s stewardship, the Integrated Marketing and Communications Group has delivered standout executions rooted in empathy, creativity, and measurable social value. From financial education programs tailored to everyday Filipinos to high-impact customer engagement and loyalty initiatives, his team’s work reflects Cebuana Lhuillier’s enduring mission to empower individuals and support financial inclusion nationwide.

In receiving the Asia-Pacific Gold award, Sena dedicated the recognition to the teams behind Cebuana Lhuillier’s continued success. “This honor belongs to our people,” he said. “Our teams show up every day with discipline, passion, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of Filipinos. At Cebuana Lhuillier, we serve with heart and innovate with intention, and this recognition from the NEXT Awards tells us that purposeful, people-centered marketing truly matters.”

President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier emphasized that Sena’s achievement, together with the company’s victories across multiple categories, underscores the strength of Cebuana Lhuillier’s unified mission. “These wins are a testament to Cebuana Lhuillier’s commitment to empower Filipinos through accessible and meaningful financial solutions,” he shared. “The NEXT Awards celebrate not just creativity but also impact, and that is exactly what we strive for—to build campaigns and programs that improve lives, build trust, and ensure that every Filipino feels seen, supported, and valued.”

Cebuana Lhuillier’s other remarkable recognitions at the MARKETECH NEXT Awards Philippines include KaNegosyo Center as the Most Innovative B2B Marketing Campaign, Pasasalamat as the Most Innovative Customer Engagement Campaign, 24K Rewards Branch Raid as the Most Innovative Loyalty Marketing Campaign, and Iponventure as the Most Innovative Public Relations Campaign. Additional recognitions were awarded for Money Guro in Content Marketing and Video Marketing, Gold Bar for Launch/Re-launch Campaign, and a national Silver citation for Sena as the Most Innovative Marketing Leader of the Year. Bronze acknowledgments were also given for World Savings Day as the Most Innovative Event Marketing Campaign and an additional Loyalty Marketing citation for Pasasalamat. These achievements culminated in Cebuana Lhuillier being named Grand Prix Brand of the Year.

The NEXT Awards 2025 victories mark an important milestone for Cebuana Lhuillier, underscoring its strengthened brand leadership and its role in shaping marketing that is both innovative and deeply rooted in Filipino values. As the company continues to champion financial inclusion and community empowerment, Cebuana Lhuillier remains committed to developing campaigns and initiatives that deliver performance with purpose, creating lasting, positive impact in the lives of the Filipinos it serves.