Tycoon Lance Y. Gokongwei has stepped down as president and chief executive officer of Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), with Maria Socorro Isabella V. Aragon-Gobio elected as his successor.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), the firm stated that Robina Gokongwei-Pe has also resigned from her position on the company's board of directors to facilitate the appointment of Aragon-Gobio as director of RLC.
Aragon-Gobio's election as RLC director and her appointment as president and CEO will take effect on Feb. 1, 2025. Gokongwei will remain as chairman of RLC.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to our Chairman, Lance Gokongwei, for his visionary leadership and invaluable contributions over the past year,” RLC said in a statement.
“With Mybelle Aragon-GoBio at the helm, we are poised to embark on a new era of transformative growth and innovation. Her commitment to synergy, customer-centricity, and operational excellence will undoubtedly strengthen RLC’s leadership in the real estate industry and deliver even greater value to our stakeholders,” it added.
A trailblazer in her own right, Aragon-Gobio is the first female president and CEO of RLC. Rising through the ranks, she represents the "bench strength" of homegrown leadership.
"The appointment not only highlights her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication but also underscores RLC’s commitment to progressive leadership, diversity, and inclusion," noted RLC.
Aragon-Gobio is an accomplished real estate executive with over 30 years of experience in the industry. She began her career with RLC in 1993 and has held significant leadership positions in logistics, residential and office developments, as well as mixed-use estates.
"Through her strategic vision and innovative approach, she has been instrumental in driving the growth and diversification of the company," the firm said.
As president and CEO of Robinsons Logistix and Industrials, Inc., Aragon-Gobio established the logistics facilities division as a cornerstone of RLC’s portfolio.
Concurrently serving as senior vice-president for Robinsons Destination Estates, she spearheaded the development of iconic projects such as Bridgetowne (Pasig and Quezon City), Sierra Valley (Cainta), and Montclair (Pampanga).
These integrated developments exemplify RLC’s “Live, Work, Play, Inspire” philosophy, showcasing her passion for creating vibrant, sustainable communities.
Earlier in her career, Aragon-Gobio also played a pivotal role in establishing RLC’s high-rise buildings division, driving significant revenues through residential condominiums and office projects that capitalized on the growth of the business process outsourcing industry.
She has been instrumental in launching successful residential brands, forging high-profile joint ventures with local and international partners, and advancing Public-Private Partnership projects with both local and national government entities. These initiatives have solidified RLC’s status as a dominant force in the property sector.
Prior to her appointment as chief executive, Aragon-Gobio was the senior vice president and Business Unit General Manager of Robinsons Destination Estates and Robinsons Logistics Division.
She concurrently serves as the president and CEO of Robinsons Logistix and Industrials, Inc., Bonifacio Property Ventures, Inc. and Bacoor R&F Land Corporation.
Aragon-Gobio also serves as chairman of the board of directors of Shang Robinsons Properties, Inc. and as a member of the board of directors of Altus Property Ventures, Inc., Grand North Integrated Resort Inc., and Virtual Palaro Ventures Inc.
She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Management Engineering with a minor in International Business from the Ateneo de Manila University and is a licensed real estate broker.
A year ago, Gokongwei, who is president and CEO of RLC’s parent company JG Summit Holdings Inc., took over the helm of the Gokongwei Group’s real estate units RLC and RL Commercial REIT Inc. (RCR) after Frederick D. Go resigned from the post to join the Marcos administration.
Gokongwei replaced Go as president and CEO of RLC and chairman of RCR; Go’s resignation took effect on Jan. 8, 2024. Gokongwei is currently chairman of RLC’s board of directors and a director of RCR’s board.
Go is currently the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA), a newly-created position with the rank of Secretary under the Office of the President.