Rico Hizon is a multi-award-winning broadcast journalist with a distinguished career spanning over three decades across some of the world’s most renowned news networks, including CNBC Business News, BBC World News, and CNN Philippines. Recognized as the Best Factual News Presenter and Grand Final Winner at the 2023 Asian Academy Creative Awards, and Best News Anchor at the 2024 Asian Television Awards, Rico has solidified his reputation as one of Asia’s most respected news anchors. His expertise in business, finance, and global affairs has made him a trusted voice in international journalism.
Following his tenure at CNN Philippines, Rico transitioned into the corporate world, taking on a consultancy role at SM Investments, where he hosts their YouTube platform, SM in Focus. Simultaneously, he leads the business talk show Beyond the Exchange on the ABS-CBN News Channel, bringing in-depth insights and thought leadership on economic and market trends. This shift marks a new chapter in his career, leveraging his decades of expertise to bridge the gap between media and corporate storytelling.
Prior to returning to Manila in 2020, Rico spent 25 years in international broadcasting, reporting from global financial hubs such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and London. He was a prominent anchor at CNBC Asia for over seven years before moving to BBC World News, where he spent 17 and a half years covering business and global affairs. As the only Southeast Asian male anchor to have worked for two of the world’s most prestigious global news networks, CNBC and BBC, Rico has brought Asian perspectives to a worldwide audience.
At BBC World News, Rico anchored the widely respected Asia Business Report and Newsday, delivering in-depth analysis on economic and political developments across Asia and beyond. His reporting took him to key financial and political centers, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, and the Philippines. On CNN Philippines, he helmed the award-winning primetime newscast The Final Word and the business program The Exchange with Rico Hizon, both of which garnered multiple accolades for excellence in journalism.
Throughout his career, Rico has interviewed an impressive roster of global leaders, business magnates, and cultural icons, including Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Richard Branson, Mahathir Mohamad, Bill Clinton, Pele, Manny Pacquiao, Kobe Bryant, Michelle Yeoh, Lea Salonga, and K-Pop stars PSY and NCT DJJ. His ability to engage with high-profile figures across industries underscores his versatility as a journalist and interviewer.
Beyond his anchoring duties, Rico has played a pivotal role in moderating and hosting top-tier global events, such as the UN Conference on Economic and Social Change, the Clinton Global Initiative, the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings, and the World Economic Forum. A recipient of numerous accolades, including the TOYM (The Outstanding Young Men) Award, People of the Year Award by People Asia Magazine, and a Doctorate Honoris Causa in Humanities from the University of Northeastern Philippines, Rico continues to be a leading figure in journalism, shaping public discourse with his insightful reporting and analysis.
