Ayala Corp. Announces CFO Transition Plan

Ayala Corporation (AC), the Philippines’ oldest conglomerate, has unveiled a key leadership transition as its chief financial officer (CFO) Alberto de Larrazabal prepares to retire at the end of 2025.

Under the transition plan, Juan Carlos Syquia, executive vice president and head of institutional banking at Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), will join Ayala Corp. as deputy CFO on May 1, 2025. He is set to assume the CFO position on January 1, 2026, following Larrazabal’s retirement on December 31, 2025.

Experienced Successor

“We are pleased to have John-C join us at Ayala Corporation. His extensive banking experience, strong financial acumen, and proven leadership give us great confidence that Ayala’s financial leadership will remain in very capable hands,” said Ayala Corp. president and CEO Cezar Consing in a statement.

Syquia brings 30 years of experience in corporate and investment banking. Before his tenure at BPI, he held leadership positions at ING and Standard Chartered, focusing on strategy and business development.

He earned his MBA in Finance and International Business from Fordham University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management Economics from Ateneo de Manila University.

Larrazabal’s Legacy

Larrazabal took on the role of Ayala’s CFO in April 2021 after his predecessor, Jose Teodoro “TG” Limcaoco, became president and CEO of BPI. During his tenure, Larrazabal oversaw Ayala’s financial strategies amid evolving economic conditions.

Other Leadership Changes

Ayala Corp. also announced that Jose Rene Gregory Almendras will transition from senior managing director and head of the Public Affairs Group to Public Affairs principal, effective January 1, 2025.

Almendras previously served as Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Secretary under former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

These leadership changes reflect Ayala Corporation’s commitment to strengthening its executive team to sustain its growth and adaptability in the future.