The Philippine technology and finance sectors are witnessing significant leadership changes with two high-profile appointments. Deep tech startup Niber Technologies has named GORE-TEX veteran Dr. Richard Beck as its new President, while global fintech giant Revolut has appointed former GCash head Albert Tinio to lead its Philippine operations. These strategic moves signal a new era of innovation in sustainable materials and digital finance for the region.
Niber Taps GORE-TEX Veteran for Sustainable Push
Niber Technologies has appointed Dr. Richard Beck, its Chief Strategy Officer, to the additional role of President. Beck brings decades of experience from W. L. Gore & Associates, the company behind GORE-TEX, where he was a key figure in the Asia-Pacific region. His leadership is expected to steer Niber's commercial electrospinning business toward global market leadership in next-generation membranes.
The appointment comes as the global textile industry faces mounting pressure to abandon per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These "forever chemicals," commonly used for water and stain resistance, are facing bans in the US, EU, and Asia due to environmental concerns. This regulatory shift has created a significant market opportunity for sustainable and high-performance alternatives like those developed by Niber.
Founded in 2019, Niber utilizes a proprietary electrospinning process to create 100 percent PFAS-free nanofiber films for various applications. The company recently secured $7 million in a Series A funding round backed by investors like Foxmont Capital Partners and the Asian Development Bank. This capital injection is aimed at scaling production and accelerating the development of its innovative breathable textiles.
A Strategic Inflection Point
In a statement, Beck expressed his enthusiasm for Niber's advanced electrospinning technology and clear strategic vision. "What initially drew my attention to Niber was the company's expertise and experience in electrospinning technology," he noted. He highlighted the founders' ambition and investment plan as key factors in his decision to join the innovative startup.
Niber co-founders Jaemin Park and Jaehyung Park described the appointment as a "clear inflection point" for the company. They emphasized that Beck's deep industry knowledge will be instrumental in developing product strategy and influencing the apparel value chain. His leadership is anticipated to help Niber build smarter technologies that enable partners to succeed in a demanding market.
Revolut Signals Philippine Ambitions with New CEO
In a parallel development within the fintech sector, global financial services provider Revolut has named Albert Tinio as the CEO-designate for its Philippine operations. The London-based company, which has quietly built a massive financial empire, is poised for a significant push into the local market. This move follows the establishment of Revolut's second Asian tech hub in Manila.
Tinio is a seasoned leader in the financial technology industry with 25 years of experience under his belt. He previously served as President and CEO of the leading mobile wallet GCash and as Co-CEO of GoTyme. Under his tenure, both e-wallet players experienced massive growth, cementing his reputation as a key figure in Philippine fintech.
These two appointments mark pivotal moments for Niber Technologies and Revolut as they navigate critical growth phases. Beck's expertise is set to position Niber as a leader in the sustainable textile revolution, while Tinio's proven track record will undoubtedly accelerate Revolut's expansion in the competitive Philippine market. Ultimately, these strategic hires underscore a broader trend of industry veterans guiding disruptive companies toward significant global impact.