Overview
- The Miss Universe Organization said on Dec. 12 that Mario Búcaro concluded his tenure as CEO, a role he assumed in November after Jakapong “Anne” Jakrajutatip resigned in June.
- President Raul Rocha Cantú confirmed the departure and praised Búcaro’s service, citing his operational role in producing the 74th Miss Universe in Bangkok.
- MUO stated the leadership handover is proceeding under internal processes, with an announcement on the next CEO expected shortly.
- The exit follows scrutiny of the 2025 pageant, including a Nov. 4 confrontation involving executive Nawat Itsaragrisil that led Rocha to impose sanctions restricting his involvement.
- Further complaints included a judge’s resignation and claims of preselected finalists and illness linked to box lunches, which MUO denied while noting some delegates did not submit health or dietary information in advance.