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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Stock Market devider Ayala's tech architect JAZA handing Globe reins to Consing

Ayala's tech architect JAZA handing Globe reins to Consing

Published Apr 21, 2026 11:24 am  |  Updated Apr 21, 2026 04:18 pm
Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Cezar P. Consing
Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Cezar P. Consing
Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, the long-standing architect of the Philippines’ telecommunications sector, is stepping down as chairman of Globe Telecom Inc., marking the end of a nearly three-decade tenure that saw the company evolve from a niche cable provider into a digital services heavyweight.

Globe disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on Tuesday, April 21, that the company’s board of directors elected Ayala Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Cezar “Bong” P. Consing to succeed Zobel as chairman.

Zobel, widely known by his initials JAZA, will also relinquish his seat on the board, but will remain involved with the carrier as chairman of Asiacom Philippines Inc., the joint venture between Ayala Corp. and Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. that serves as Globe’s controlling shareholder.

“The board, together with the management and employees of Globe, express their deepest gratitude and utmost respect for JAZA’s undeniable achievements throughout his years of service to the company,” the firm said.

Consing was elected chairman of Globe’s board during the organizational meeting held immediately after the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting (ASM).

Zobel stepped down as chairman and director after serving as Globe’s chairman for 29 years since December 1996 and as director for 37 years since March 1989.

“We honor JAZA’s legacy defined by his visionary and transformative leadership and an unparalleled commitment to excellence... JAZA has been the principal architect of Globe’s evolution from a cable company into the country’s first digital telco and today’s leading mobile network operator,” the firm said.

Zobel led the Globe-Mackay merger with Clavecilla Radio Corp., launched its long-standing strategic partnership with Singtel, and expanded services through the acquisition of IslaCom, Bayantel, and Vega Telecom.

Under his stewardship, Globe underwent a major network and information technology (IT) modernization program that ushered in the age of data in Philippine telecommunications and reshaped the company into a provider of Filipino digital lifestyle services.

He also played a key role in expanding access to connectivity, helping shift mobile services from a privilege enjoyed by a small segment of the population to a widely accessible service supported by investments in technology and distribution.

Building on this platform, Globe launched mobile payments through GCash, now the country’s leading finance super-app and largest digital cashless ecosystem. It also expanded into tech-driven ventures through Kickstart Ventures and 917Ventures, and developed telco and technology-adjacent platforms via the Asticom and Brave Group of Companies, and ST Telemedia Global Data Centres.

These initiatives were established even before Globe marked its 50th year as a publicly listed company.

Zobel was also a strong advocate of sustainability and responsible business practices. Under his leadership, Globe became a recognized climate leader in the country, the first publicly listed company to have its net-zero roadmap validated by Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), and the highest environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-rated telco in the Philippines.

“Globe would not be the institution it is today without JAZA’s vision and belief in what Globe could achieve,” the company said.

“We welcome with pride the appointment of Bong Consing as chairman of Globe Telecom. Bong has long been a valued leader within the Ayala Group and has demonstrated clarity of judgment, discipline in execution, and a deep commitment to strengthening the institutions he serves. With his leadership, we are confident Globe will continue to build on its strong foundations and play an even greater role in enabling opportunity, progress, and inclusion in the years ahead,” Zobel said.

Consing brings extensive experience in finance and global markets. Before taking the helm of Ayala, he was president and CEO of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) from 2013 to 2021, where he oversaw a period of sustained expansion and organizational transformation. Earlier in his career, he spent nearly 20 years at J.P. Morgan, holding senior leadership positions across Asia-Pacific investment banking, including serving as president of J.P. Morgan Securities Asia. He also previously served as partner and co-head for Asia at The Rohatyn Group.

He currently serves as chairman of ACEN Corp. and as vice chairman of BPI and Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) He likewise holds leadership positions across several Ayala Group companies and remains active in various business and civic organizations.

Under Consing’s leadership, Globe is expected to further reinforce its position as a trusted provider of connectivity, innovation, and digital services, supporting individuals and businesses in an increasingly digital economy, the company said.

(James A. Loyola)

Related Tags

Globe Telecom Inc. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala Cezar P. Consing
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