From employee to logistics powerhouse founder

Rosemarie Rafael

Behind the nearly four decades of success of end-to-end logistics firm Airspeed Group is a woman whose leadership and determination have helped shape the lives of thousands of employees while ensuring seamless services across the globe.

Airspeed Group president and chief executive Rosemarie Rafael began her decadeslong journey in the travel and transportation industry as a ticketing agent before eventually building her own company.

In 1985, she founded Airspeed with only six employees and a single delivery van. She gradually nurtured the company to become what it is today—a trusted service provider with more than 1,000 employees and a presence in over 90 countries.

What started as a small business also now serves thousands of stakeholders through freight solutions management, warehousing, distribution, customized logistics and customs clearance.

The Sy family’s SM Investments Corp. in 2022 took majority control of Airspeed, the parent firm of several other logistics firms such Airspeed International Corp., where Rafael also serves as chair and president.

Rafael later became the first woman president of Aircargo Forwarders of the Philippines Inc., the lone air cargo trade association recognized by the Civil Aeronautics Board.

While the COVID-19 pandemic paralyzed millions of businesses worldwide, Rafael remained relentless in her pursuit of innovation and business leadership.

In 2020, the executive started new digital products, including UnboxMe, a logistics firm that serves customers looking for a trusted delivery partner to satisfy their spontaneous online shopping in the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Hong Kong.

Rafael, also president of the Women’s Business Council Philippines, leveraged the booming e-commerce industry in the Philippines with Pinaspeed, a local venture similar to UnboxMe that offers online and pickup delivery services and caters specifically to microbusinesses.

Embracing and revitalizing the fast-paced logistics industry in the country has propelled Rafael to even greater heights.

She has been recognized by both local and international award-giving bodies, including the Asia CEO Awards, Asean Business Awards, Asean Women Entrepreneurs Network and Global FWN100 Awards.

Beyond Rafael’s role as a deeply revered woman business leader in the logistics industry, she is also known to support initiatives that build businesses, empower lives and develop communities as a champion of women empowerment. INQ