Lance Gokongwei

President and CEO, JG Summit

 

The business tycoon and leader balances empathy with bottom-line objectives

Lance Y. Gokongwei oversees a vast empire as head of the Gokongwei Group, representing one of the Philippines' most significant and most diversified business groups. Gokongwei’s decisive actions and the group’s diverse portfolio buffered the impact of the COVID-19 lockdowns. More than that, he showed courage and empathy to instil trust and restore hope within his organisation. He believes the current economic outlook is reasonably strong for the Philippines.

There were other concerns outside of the family business that needed attention. As Gokongwei Brothers Foundation's (GBF) chairman, Gokongwei mobilised programs to support the fight against COVID-19 and aid underprivileged communities. The foundation has strengthened its commitment to community empowerment and nation-building, with over 2,500 scholars and 1,300 graduates. It has supported more than 30,000 educators through teacher communities in the last three decades. By the end of 2023, the GBF will have over 1,000 scholars enrolled in the current academic year.

With the Philippine economy reopening after the pandemic, Gokongwei has kept various businesses on track while continuing with expansion plans. In 2023, the digital GoTyme Bank reached one million users in the Philippines, and Robinsons Land unveiled one of the world’s tallest art installations—The Victor—at Bridgetown Destination Estate.

Though inflation seems a worrying pain point for the conglomerate, Gokongwei is hopeful for economic growth as Filipinos slowly return to the way of life we were used to.

Awards


2005

Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year

2000

JCI Philippines’ Ten Outstanding Young Men

Did You Know?


Like his other siblings, Lance Gokongwei started from the bottom, selling Jack N' Jill snacks to groceries and sari-sari stores. At that time, he drove around in an old Datsun with a broken air-conditioning system, and was paid a salary of P2,000.

Social Media


Credits


Photography  

Cyrus Panganiban for Gokongwei Group

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