BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Fernando Zobel de Ayala makes his comeback to Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) as the board’s advisor. In a regulatory filing, Ayala Group’s property arm said its directors have agreed to the appointment of Zobel de Ayala as advisor when a regular board meeting was held last February 22. 

His previous position was the board’s chairman, which is a vital position he held for 23 years. In August last year, Zobel de Ayala made his leave and filed a resignation the month after so he can concentrate on his health. This includes his positions in the Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe Telecom, Inc., Manila Water Co., Inc., ACEN Corp., ALI, and Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc.

He will also be the advisor to Ayala Corporation as well as the board co-chairman of the Ayala Foundation. Apart from that, the business mogul will serve as Fort Bonifacio Development Corps.’ vice-chairman and director.

One may note that as February started, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. publicized his comeback as the corporate governance committee chairman.

Aside from Zobel de Ayala’s reappointment, the ALI board also approved the 2023 stock option program in accordance to their Employee Stock Ownership Plan. They also agreed to the amendment of the Audit Committee Charter.

The 62-year-old business mogul is also part of the following international organizaitons: Habitat for Humanity Asia-Pacific Capital Campaign Steering Committee (Chairman), Habitat for Humanity International (Vice-Chairman), The Asia Society, World Economic Forum, INSEAD East Asia Council, and World Presidents’ Organization.

Fernando is the son of Jaime Zobel de Ayala, the founder of their 187-year-old conglomerate. He is married to Catherine Silverio, the daughter of Dante Silverio, a former PBA coach. They have four children together.

In April 2021, he took over from his brother Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, and became the president and CEO of Ayala Corp. “I want to assure everyone that Fernando is in high spirits, but he has asked for some time to focus on his health and recovery. We all have so many responsibilities and commitments in all aspects of our lives, but first and foremost, we should all prioritize our health and well-being,” said his brother’s Facebook post when he took his leave.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Ayala Corporation