Zenaida “Nedy” Rustia Tantoco aka Nedy Tantoco, the chairman and CEO of Rustan’s and Stores Specialists Inc. (SSI), passed away on February 8, 2024, at the age of 77. She was the eldest daughter of the late Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. and Gliceria Rustia-Tantoco, the founders of Rustan’s, the Philippines’ first and leading luxury department store. She was also a philanthropist, a patron of the arts, and a loving mother and grandmother.
Biography
Nedy Tantoco was born in 1946 (age: 77 years, when died), in Manila, to Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. and Gliceria Rustia-Tantoco. She was the eldest of six children: Rico, Menchu, Marilou, Marlien, and Maritess.
She grew up in a family that was passionate about retail and fashion. Her parents started Rustan’s in 1952, after they returned from their diplomatic assignment in Rome, Italy. They brought back European merchandise and sold them from their garage, attracting the elite and fashionable crowd of Manila. Rustan’s soon became a household name for luxury and quality, offering brands such as Christian Dior, Givenchy, Balenciaga, Lanvin, and Yves Saint Laurent.
Nedy Tantoco was involved in the family business from an early age. She worked behind the claims counter of the department store during her summer breaks from school, where she interacted with customers and learned the ropes of retail. She also accompanied her parents on their buying trips abroad, where she developed her eye for style and trends. She once said, “It ran in our blood. At dinner, we would hear our parents talking about the business, so we learned all about business by listening to them. I never wanted to do anything else.”
She graduated from St. Theresa’s College in Manila with a degree in Business Administration. She then pursued further studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, where she honed her skills in merchandising, marketing, and management. She also took courses at the Harvard Business School and the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Nedy Tantoco Wiki/Bio
| Name | Zenaida “Nedy” Rustia Tantoco |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | in 1946 |
| Date of death | February 8, 2024 |
| Age | 77 |
| Place of birth | Manila, Philippines |
| Place of death | Manila, Philippines |
| Cause of death | Complications from heart surgery |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Ethnicity | Filipino-Chinese |
| Religion | Christian |
| Occupation | Chairman and CEO of Rustan Commercial Corporation and Stores Specialists, Inc. |
| Spouse | Patrick Jacinto |
| Children | Anton, Michael, and Catherine |
| Parents | Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. and Gliceria Rustia-Tantoco |
| Siblings | Rico, Menchu, Marilou, Marlien, and Maritess |
| Links | Linkedin- @zenaida-tantoco-56a367137 Homepage- Newsunzip |
| Awards and recognitions | Presidential Medal of Merit, Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World, among others |
A Legacy of Leadership
Nedy Tantoco joined Rustan’s as a merchandising manager in 1968. She rose through the ranks and became the president of Rustan Commercial Corporation in 2008. She was also the chairman and CEO of SSI, the Philippines’ leading specialty retailer that markets over 80 high-end brands such as Lacoste, Marks & Spencer, Salvatore Ferragamo, Anne Klein, Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada, Armani Exchange, Hugo Boss, and Zara.
Under her leadership, Rustan’s and SSI expanded their presence and reach across the country, opening branches in key cities and malls. She also spearheaded the development of new concepts and formats, such as Rustan’s Supermarket, Rustan’s Flower Shop, Rustan’s Expresslane, and Rustan’s ActiveWear. She also diversified the company’s portfolio, venturing into food, beauty, home, and lifestyle sectors. She acquired franchises for Starbucks, TWG Tea, SaladStop, and Shake Shack, among others.
She was instrumental in bringing Rustan’s to the global stage, forging partnerships with international retailers and organizations. She was a founding member of the Asia Pacific Retailers Association and the Philippine Retailers Association. She also served as the honorary consul of the Republic of San Marino in the Philippines.
Height, Weight
- Height: 5 ft 7 in or 170 cm
- Weight: 58 kg or 128 lbs
Honors
Nedy Tantoco was recognized for her achievements and contributions to the retail industry, receiving numerous awards and honors. She was named one of the Most Influential Filipina Women in the World by the Filipina Women’s Network in 2013. She was also conferred the Presidential Medal of Merit by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017.
A Life of Generosity
Nedy Tantoco was not only a successful businesswoman but also a generous philanthropist. She supported various causes and organizations, especially those related to education, health, culture, and the environment. She was a trustee of the Philippine Cancer Society, the Philippine Red Cross, the Philippine National Museum, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. She also established the Rustan’s Foundation, which provides scholarships and livelihood programs for underprivileged youth and women.
She was a patron of the arts, collecting and promoting Filipino artists and artisans. She was a member of the International Council of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Asian Art Council of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. She also sponsored exhibitions, concerts, and festivals that showcased the best of Philippine culture and heritage.
Husband, Kids
Nedy Tantoco was a loving mother and grandmother, who cherished her family above all. She was married to Patrick Jacinto, a businessman and former senatorial candidate. She had three children: Anton, Michael, and Catherine, who are all involved in the family business. She also had seven grandchildren: Nikki, Isabelle, Kenzie, Kameron, David, Sofia, and Lucas.
Death Cause
Nedy Tantoco passed away on February 8, 2024, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was laid to rest at the Heritage Park in Taguig City, beside her parents.
Her death was mourned by many, who expressed their condolences and tributes on social media and other platforms. President Duterte issued a statement, saying, “The nation has lost a visionary and a trailblazer in the field of retail and commerce. Nedy was a pillar of the Philippine economy, who contributed to the growth and development of the country. She was also a generous and compassionate leader, who touched the lives of many through her philanthropy and advocacy. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and colleagues. May she rest in peace.”
Net Worth
| Year | Net Worth (in $ million) |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $ 1,500 million |
| 2022 | $ 1,600 million |
| 2023 | $ 1,700 million |
Nedy Tantoco family also released a statement, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved Nedy. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was also a remarkable leader, mentor, and partner. She inspired us with her passion, dedication, and excellence. She taught us to love, serve, and give. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will live on in our hearts and minds. We thank everyone for their prayers and support during this difficult time.”
Nedy Tantoco was a woman of significant influence and impact, who left an indelible mark on the Philippine retail industry and society. She was a queen of luxury, a champion of culture, and a force of good.
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