March 11-13, 2025 | Myrtle Beach, SC — Registration is open until March 7. Register Now

Opening Keynote / Tuesday / March 11, 2025 / 4:10 PM

Bringing Joy to North America: A Conversation with Jollibee President Maribeth Dela Cruz

Maribeth Dela Cruz, president of Jollibee North America, will share details about her journey from starting as a shift manager in the Philippines to leading Jollibee's expansion across North America. Uncover the secret sauce behind Jollibee North America’s growth to 103 stores in the region (75 in the U.S. and 28 in Canada) and its commitment to "bringing the joy of eating."

Dela Cruz will share her perspectives on navigating a changing restaurant industry, including Jollibee's entry to franchising this year and how this move contributes to the brand’s goal to grow its US business to 350 stores by 2028. Dela Cruz will also discuss how Jollibee, which has nearly 2,000 global locations, took a challenger brand mindset in the U.S. and rose to become the best fast-food fried chicken in America. This discussion will also explore the 40-year heritage of the brand in North America and how it’s been able to maintain its relevance.


KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Maribeth Dela Cruz | President | Jollibee North America
Maribeth Dela Cruz is the President of Jollibee North America who has successfully led the Jollibee brand to unprecedented growth in the region. She is a multi-awarded executive who has led different companies through her focus on strategic innovation, operational excellence, and a commitment to sustainable brand and business growth. She has built a reputation in the restaurant industry for transforming companies, maximizing profitability, and fostering a culture of collaboration and integrity. She has spent over 30 years with the Jollibee Group, one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies. It operates 19 brands with over 9,500 stores across 32 countries - including its flagship brand, Jollibee. Maribeth began her career journey with the Jollibee Group in the Philippines in 1986 as a Shift Manager for Jollibee, then slowly moved up the ranks to Operations Manager initially for Jollibee then for Mary’s Chicken (a Jollibee Group subsidiary at that time). In 2005, she moved to the U.S. to become the General Manager for the West Coast operations of Jollibee. And in 2010, her scope expanded to overseeing the Jollibee brand in North America as President from 2013 up to the present.
HOST

Jose Gonzalez | VP Sales | Datawrkz
Jose Gonzalez is a seasoned business professional with long experience in numerous business domains. From managing and performing consulting work for a software company, spearheading integrated marketing teams at large international ad agencies to launching beverage brands, Jose has done it all. He brings expertise in using empirical data, modeling and consumer insights to help businesses solve problems and transform their growth trajectories. Jose has always been deeply passionate about the field of advertising technology, and as the head of sales for Datawrkz in North America, he works closely with organizations of all sizes across the US to help them define and execute ambitious advertising campaigns that deliver incredible outcomes and returns.
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