Metro Pacific, Aboitiz companies announce management changes

MANILA, Philippines — Some of the country’s conglomerates have announced changes in their respective management.

The Aboitiz Group appointed David Rafael as the new president and CEO of Aboitiz-land effective Jan. 2.

Rafael, a veteran real estate executive, used to be with Ayala Land Inc. and SM Prime Holdings Inc.

“Dave is a real estate industry veteran who brings with him extensive experience in the residential, industrial and commercial segments,” said Aboitiz Group president and chief executive officer Erramon Aboitiz.

At Ayala Land, Rafael held key positions in local and international residential sales and in the estate management and mall groups.

He later joined SM Prime where he managed the Mall of Asia complex from 2008 to 2016 and helped grow its assets to P95 billion.

Aboitiz said the move is part of the group’s strategic direction and expansion of Aboitizland.

Meanwhile, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) announced the appointment of Eriberto “Erie” Calubaquib as the new head of Metro Pacific Water (MPW), its water subsidiary.

Calubaquib joined MPW in November 2015 and brings with him over 42 years of extensive experience in all aspects of the water industry including project preparation, project management, master planning, feasibility studies, detailed design, construction supervision, operation and maintenance, management and training. 

Prior to joining MPW, he held managing director roles in a Danish consulting firm and in a leading French water company.

MPIC also announced the appointment of Robert So as the chairman of the board of Ecosystem Technologies International Inc., replacing Jose Ma. Lim. So is the founder of Ecosystem.

“So shall continue to lead the company as chairman and will oversee corporate strategy, technology and project design,” MPIC said.

Mikkel Gutierrez, the incumbent chief operating officer of MPW, shall concurrently serve as the chief executive officer of Ecosystem.

Eddie Liew will join the MPW Group as the newly appointed chief operating officer of Ecosystem  effective Jan. 2.

Lim, president and chief executive officer of MPIC, said the management lineup at Ecosystem would usher in a new stage of growth for the company.