The Gokongwei Group’s Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) announced that it will have a new president, Stanley C. Co, taking the helm from Robina Gokongwei-Pe who will move up as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the firm said that, at the last meeting of its Board of Directors on July 25, 2024, the Board approved the appointment of Co as President and CEO, effective January 1, 2025.
The appointment of Co happens alongside key developments in the RRHI’s Board as, effective January 1, 2025, Robina Gokongwei-Pe, who was first appointed President and COO in 1997 and who has been President and CEO since 2018, will transition to the role of Chairman.
She will replace her brother Lance Y. Gokongwei who will step down as Chairman and member of the Board to assume the role of Board Adviser.
Their uncle James L. Go will remain as Vice Chairman, while incoming President and CEO Co will join the Board to complete the nine-seat body.
Co has been with Robinsons Retail for 21 years, joining the Company's DIY Segment as Division Merchandise Manager in 2003 and appointed its Group General Manager in 2008.
He was appointed Managing Director of the Food Segment on September 1, 2020 and Chief Operating Officer of Robinsons Retail on August 1, 2023.
Co earned a bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Santo Tomas in 1998 and an MBA from De La Salle University in 2003.
“Leading Robinsons Retail into a new, dynamic chapter is a tremendous honor and responsibility. I hope to continue building on our strong foundation as a trusted partner of choice as we unlock a future brimming with exciting possibilities and joyful shopping experiences,” said Co.
Gokongwei-Pe noted that, “With Stanley at the helm, drawing on his years of extensive experience and service to the Company, I am confident that Robinsons Retail will continue to deliver long-term value for our customers, partners, and the communities we serve.
“I would also like to thank Lance for his sterling example as Chairman, and I hope to fulfill his role as well as he has.”
“A commitment to continuous improvement and a dynamism to embrace change are key attributes of a good leader. Stanley embodies these qualities and his vision for Robinsons Retail aligns perfectly with the Company’s long-term goals.
“We, the Board of Directors, have no doubt that Stanley will usher in sustained growth and innovation for the Company. We thank Robina for her years of service as President and CEO, and look forward to her continued guidance as Chairman,” said Lance Y. Gokongwei.