Nedy Tantoco is a woman of significant influence in corporate professionalism and lifestyle. Rustan’s opened its first store in 1952, a project helmed by her parents, Gliceria “Glecy'” and Bienvenido “Benny” Tantoco, who sought to bring high-end and world-renowned merchandise from all over the world to the Philippines. Since then, the brand has reached the forefront of Philippine retail. Thanks to her leadership, the RCC Group, which includes the SSI Group, weathered the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic to bring even more globally relevant brands to the Philippine luxury market.

At the same time, her family’s flagship retail establishment, Rustan’s Makati, underwent a timely renovation that concluded in 2022, reflecting its continuing commitment to bringing the best the world has to offer through a professionally curated and ever-growing roster of global brands, ranging from food and cosmetics to high fashion and homeware. In doing so, Tantoco has ensured the business’s continued relevance and solidified presence in the minds of her clientele.

In 2023, Rustan’s inaugurated its new Beauty Hall in the chain’s Makati flagship. The group brought in brands, including Shiseido’s top luxury line Clé de Peau Beauté, Swedish beauty brand LA bruket and Greek cosmetics company Korres. Rustan’s also brought two French home brands to the Philippines, Daum and Haviland and Lladro Lighting, to help those who wish to elevate their spaces luxuriously.

She is poised to step down and hand over the reins to the third and fourth generation of Tantocos involved in the family business. The third generation is already active in the industry, especially in the SSI Group, where her eldest son, Anthony T. Huang, is president, and Donnie Tantoco is president of RCC. But one thing is clear: Nedy Tantoco’s forward thinking has helped propel Rustan’s not only to the forefront of Philippine retail but also into a position as a true icon of local entrepreneurship and resilience in the face of challenges.