Prime Highlights:
- The Miss Universe Organization has appointed Mario Búcaro as its new CEO, marking a new phase of leadership following the recent board restructuring at JKN Global Group.
- Under his leadership, MUO aims to expand its global outreach while reinforcing its commitment to empowerment, inclusion, and women’s leadership across 130+ countries.
Key Facts:
- Mario Búcaro previously served as Vice President for International Relations at MUO and was formerly Guatemala’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
- The organization’s “Beyond the Crown” initiative, launched under Búcaro’s guidance, focuses on promoting education, entrepreneurship, and social impact for women worldwide.
Background:
In a major leadership change, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has named Mario Búcaro as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Thai business leader Anne Jakrajutatip, who served in the role since 2022. The announcement was made on October 29 through MUO’s official website, following updates to the Board of Directors at JKN Global Group, which co-owns MUO with Legacy Holdings Group, led by Raul Rocha.
Anne Jakrajutatip, known for promoting inclusion and diversity in the pageant world, stepped down from her executive roles at JKN Global Group in June after Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a complaint against her. MUO thanked her for her strong leadership and for helping expand the organization’s global reach and commitment to women’s empowerment.
Mario Búcaro, a diplomat from Guatemala, aims to boost MUO’s global reach. Before his appointment, he served as MUO’s Vice President for International Relations and has an impressive career history as Guatemala’s Ambassador to Israel and Mexico, as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs. He currently holds ambassadorial roles in Bulgaria and Cyprus.
According to the Miss Universe Organization, Búcaro’s leadership will center on strengthening MUO’s commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and global collaboration.
The organization also confirmed that it has implemented internal structural adjustments to ensure stronger management and smoother global operations.
Búcaro’s appointment comes just weeks before the highly anticipated 74th Miss Universe pageant, set to take place in Thailand on November 21. The Philippines will be represented by pageant veteran Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon, as the country aims for its fifth Miss Universe crown following previous wins by Gloria Diaz, Margarita Moran, Pia Wurtzbach, and Catriona Gray.
