Tan to serve as PAL’s transitional president

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Airlines (PAL) chairman Lucio Tan will serve as the company’s president in the meantime, as the airline continues to find someone to take the role permanently.

Sources told The STAR that Tan was named as the flag carrier’s transitional president.

They said his daughter, Vivienne Tan, who is PAL’s current executive vice president, treasurer, and chief administrative officer, would “assist her father in the day to day management of the airline.”

No timetable has been set as to how long the tycoon will remain president. Nonetheless, he is expected to serve as the transitional president “until the next president is named.”

PAL has been on the lookout for a new president and chief operating officer following the retirement of Jaime Bautista.

PAL’s board of directors last month approved the request for retirement of Bautista as PAL president and COO, effective last June 30. 

As a result of Bautista’s retirement, Vivienne was appointed as the firm’s officer-in-charge as the airline undergoes a crtitical transition period.

Vivienne earlier said “a lot” of big changes are in store for PAL.