RRHI gears up for greater heights; Gokongwei-Pe passes torch to Co

Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) is gearing up for greater heights as it undertakes organizational changes, with president and CEO Robina Gokongwei-Pe passing the torch to Stanley Co, a seasoned company executive.

- RICHMOND MERCURIO

Gokongwei-Pe, who was first appointed president and COO in 1997 and who has been president and CEO of RRHI since 2018, will transition to the role of chairman effective Jan. 1, 2025.

She will replace her brother, Lance Gokongwei, who will step down as chairman and member of the board to assume the role of board adviser.

Gokongwei-Pe will likewise be the chairman of the remuneration, nomination and succession planning committee.

With a lighter load, Gokongwei-Pe said she would use the newfound time “to be on the lookout for more opportunities.”

“I am 63 already. While lots to give pa, di ko kaya ginawa ni Daddy John na nag-retire as CEO of Robinsons Retail at 90,” the eldest daughter of tycoon John Gokongwei Jr. told The STAR.

“On a serious note, mas may oras na ako makialam so I can steer Robinsons Retail to greater heights. At pasarapin lalo ang fried chicken sa Uncle John’s at ang liempo sa Shopwise,” she said.

As the retail arm of the Gokongwei Group, RRHI operates a total of 2,399 stores consisting of 756 food segment stores, 1,072 drugstores, 50 department stores, 224 DIY stores and 297 specialty stores as of end-March.