Mario Búcaro takes over Anne Jakrajutatip as CEO of Miss Universe Organization
The Miss Universe Organization has appointed Mario Búcaro as its new CEO, succeeding Anne Jakrajutatip.
The pageant organizer on Oct. 29 confirmed that Jakrajutatip resigned from her post on June 20.
Búcaro previously served as Vice President for International Relations at MUO since January 2024. According to MUO, he brings "extensive experience" in international diplomacy, public service, and organizational leadership.
The new CEO was also Guatemala's Ambassador to Israel, Mexico, Bulgaria, and Cyprus, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala.
While at MUO, Búcaro led the launch of the "Beyond the Crown" initiative promoting women's leadership, education, entrepreneurship, and social impact outside of the competition, according to the organization.
As MUO CEO, Búcaro will "focus on strengthening international collaborations, expanding the organization’s presence across the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and Africa, and enriching the candidate experience while upholding integrity and fairness."
"The Board of the Miss Universe Organization expresses its full confidence in Mario Búcaro’s leadership to guide the organization into a new era of growth and global influence. His vision of Miss Universe as a worldwide movement that celebrates authenticity, transformation, and empowerment will continue to unite cultures, expand opportunities for women, and elevate the values that define our brand," the organization stated.
Jakrajutatip took over Miss Universe in October 2022. The following year, the Bangkok Post reported that the company accumulated a debt of 443 million baht (P713 million) for its JKN239A loans.
She later clarified that they simply carried out a payment date adjustment after the company requested a postponement of the repayment schedule.
That same year, Jakrajutatip filed for bankruptcy amid a "liquidity problem" and missed a deadline to repay bonds worth around $12 million.
A Securities and Exchange Commission complaint was filed implicating Jakrajutatip, her company JKN, and its director, alleging that they "failed to properly and accurately maintain the company's financial records."
On June 7, Jakrajutatip reportedly resigned from JKN amid allegations of falsifying financial statements. At the time, MUO said that she would remain as CEO.
In its latest press release, the MUO extended its gratitude toward Jakrajutatip.
"Her efforts have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire the organization’s mission as she now focuses on her family," it said.
This development comes less than a month before the Miss Universe 2025 pageant to be held at the Impact Challenger Hall in Thailand. Ahtisa Manalo will represent the Philippines in the upcoming competition.
