GT Capital appoints new CFO

MANILA, Philippines — Conglomerate GT Capital Holdings Inc. has appointed seasoned investment and finance executive George Uy-Tioco Jr. as its new chief financial officer.

Uy-Tioco will assume the role following the retirement of GT Capital’s long-time CFO Francisco Suarez Jr.

As GT Capital’s CFO since 2012, Suarez successfully managed the execution of the group’s investments in acquisitions of its operating companies during the conglomerate’s consolidation period.

During his 12-year stint at GT Capital, Suarez effectively oversaw the launch of the company’s initial public offering, two top-up private placements, two retail bond issuances, multiple bilateral fixed-rate peso term loans, two series of perpetual preferred shares and a Japanese yen-denominated loan.

He likewise held positions as director and adviser on the boards of several GT Capital operating companies, where he guided the management of their financial performance and the securing of funding requirements.

“We take this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr. Suarez for his dedication and valued contribution to GT Capital. We also warmly welcome Mr. Uy-Tioco, Jr. to the company and look forward to his valuable insights and contributions to our conglomerate, given his wealth of experience in finance and investment,” GT Capital president Carmelo Maria Luza Bautista said.

Uy-Tioco served as the head of corporate finance of ING Bank N. V. Manila Branch from June 2021 to March 2024.

Prior to his stint at ING Bank, he was the head of mergers and acquisitions of BPI Capital Corp. from 2013 to 2021.

According to GT Capital, Uy-Tioco has a proven and robust finance and investment background with over 25 years of experience in investment banking, asset management, business development and general management.

“He has handled key transactions on mergers and acquisitions, and possesses invaluable financial advisory experience across various sectors, including banking, energy and telecommunications, among others,” the listed holding company of the Ty Group said.

Uy-Tioco holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Darden Graduate School of Business of the University of Virginia in the US and a Bachelor of Science degree in management engineering from the Ateneo de Manila University.

GT Capital, which went public in 2012, currently has interests in market-leading businesses in banking; automotive assembly, importation, distribution, and financing; property development; life and general insurance; and infrastructure and utilities.