Former PPP head joins Aboitiz Group infrastructure unit

MANILA, Philippines — Former Public-Private Partnership Center head Cosette Canilao has joined the Aboitiz Group as chief operating officer  and senior vice president of Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc.

Canilao’s appointment is effective Oct. 16. 

She will be responsible for business growth and strategy by building strong partnerships with government departments, key influencers and drive the development and execution of projects. 

“She will also manage the operations and lead the infrastructure teams overseeing the water businesses, airport projects and other infra-related projects,” AEV said. 

Canilao served as PPP Center executive director from 2011 to 2016. During her stint, the PPP Center was able to award at least 12 projects.  She has over 25 years of leadership and experience in public-private partnerships, investment banking, crisis management and restructuring practice. 

She is a graduate of the University of the Philippines and attended programs at the Harvard Business School. 

Meanwhile, holding company Aboitiz Equity Ventures also named new key officials.

Christopher Beshouri has been named executive director — chief strategy officer effective Oct. 16, bringing to the group his experience in corporate strategy, business planning, strategic partnership and investments, and performance management. 

Before joining AEV, Beshouri headed the Vicsal Development Corp. from 2013 to 2018.

He was independent director of GT Capital Holdings from 2013 to 2017. He also served in various top management positions at McKinsey and company.

Also appointed was Jojo Guingao as senior vice president and chief digital officer of AEV effective Oct. 1.

David Jude “DJ” Sta. Ana was appointed as senior vice president and chief external affairs officer effective Oct. 1.

Joanne Ranada has been appointed assistant corporate secretary effective Oct. 3. She  is currently a senior associate general counsel for the governance and compliance team.