Next gen leaders herald new era for Ayala Group

MANILA, Philippines — Marking a rare milestone with its 190th anniversary this year, the country’s oldest conglomerate’s recent media night served as the stage to launch its next generation of leaders as the new face of the Ayala Group.

At the recent party held at Dusit Thani in Makati City, it was siblings Mariana Zobel de Ayala and Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala and their cousin Jaime Urquijo’s time to shine as they went up the stage to greet and take part in a game with journalists covering the Ayala Group.

While Ayala Corp. chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, with brother Fernando Zobel de Ayala have long served as the face of the Ayala Group and attended previous parties with the media, they were not present in the last media night.

The latest event is a pivotal moment for the conglomerate celebrating its 190th anniversary, as it shows the next generation is prepared to lead the Ayala Group as it embarks on a new chapter.

Mariana, daughter of Jaime Augusto, is currently senior vice president and head of leasing and hospitality at Ayala Land Inc., and president of Ayala Malls.

Jaime Alfonso is CEO at AC Motors, which distributes automotive brands Honda, Isuzu, Volkswagen, Kia, Maxus, BYD, motorcycle brands KTM and Husqvarna.

Jaime Urquijo, son of Bea Zobel Jr., is chief sustainability and risk officer at Ayala Corp.

For this year’s anniversary, the Ayala

Group is going with the theme “Always, Ayala” to look back at past triumphs and look forward to a meaningful future as it works with its employees, partners, customers and the general public.

Founded in 1834, Ayala Corp. started with the establishment of the Casa Roxas business house.

Over the years, Ayala Corp. has diversified and is now involved in various business activities such as real estate and hotels, financial services, telecommunications, power, healthcare, logistics, industrial technologies, automotives, infrastructure, education, technology services, business process outsourcing, air charter, consulting services, and investment holdings.

Through its businesses, Ayala Corp. has been contributing to the nation’s social and economic agenda by helping address the country’s challenges.

In particular, it has helped make financial services accessible through e-wallet GCash.

The Ayala Group is also involved in the push to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and rollout of renewable energy projects to promote a sustainable future.

In addition, the group is helping provide accessible, affordable and quality healthcare through its pharmacy chain, clinics and hospitals, and healthcare app.