Succession, and future-proofing legacy

One of the events I attended last week, of AF Hospitality (AFH) and the Araneta-Fores family, had me pondering on the issue of succession, and perpetuating legacy, in this country.

- 

If one were to use royalty as the metaphor, the event I attended was in essence, a "coronation." As the son of legendary culinary icon, the late Margarita Fores; this was Amado Fores ascending to be CEO of an AFH that was now subsuming a number of the brands his mother had founded, and being made the president and CEO of CIBO - which had been founded by Margarita, and was being run with her brother and sisters in executive roles.

Speaking of generational succession; a first cousin of Amado, Mercedes Fores, was ascending to take on the role of CIBO Chief Operating Officer (COO), a role previously occupied by a non-family member professional, Edgar Caper. Caper, was moving up to be one of the managing directors. It may have been precipitated by Margarita's untimely passing, but here was their version of the "changing of the guard."

What was nice to observe was the united front the family, across two generations, were displaying - rallying around the expanded role being placed on the shoulders of 33-year old Amado.

It was honoring the memory and legacy of Margarita, and ensuring her wishes come to fruition; while ensuring that the legacy endures, and even grows further.