Golden ABC names new leader

Beginning 2025, Bernie Liu will officially step down as chief executive officer of Golden ABC (GABC) — popularly known as the Penshoppe group — after serving for nearly 30 years. He will now focus on his role as executive chairman of both Golden ABC as well as its holding company, LH Paragon, Inc.

Assuming the role of chief executive officer is Alice Liu, marking the culmination of a two-year-long succession plan.

Alice, who has served as GABC’s president and chief operating officer since March of 2023, was elected and appointed by the company’s board of directors to assume the new role.

Legacy of visionary leadership

Bernie’s visionary leadership, combined with the guidance of GABC’s founders — his parents, Dame Norma Liu and Knight Leo Lim Liu — has transformed the company into a thriving multi-brand fashion enterprise. Today, its portfolio includes Penshoppe, OXGN, Regatta, Forme, Memo and BOCU.

Rooted in a vision of “building brands for the world,” Bernie made it the company’s mandate to bring the Philippines’ best to the world, elevating local talent and bringing it to the global stage.

Throughout Bernie’s leadership, GABC’s brands have consistently earned recognition from both local and international award-giving bodies. Notable accolades include being named Global Retailer of the Year by the Philippine Retailers Association and the Department of Trade and Industry. Additionally, several of its brands achieved Hall of Famer status as Retailer of the Year from the same organization. The company also won Retail Asia’s Domestic E-Tailer of the Year and emerged as a winner in the ASEAN Centricity category at the prestigious ASEAN Business Awards, among other recognitions.

Bernie himself is widely respected in throughout the industry and larger business community, having held key roles such as president and chairman of the Philippine Retailers Association. Among his personal honors are the Agora Award for Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship, the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award and the Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Most recently, he received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Papal Award for his service and contributions to the church.

Poised to lead GABC’s future

Alice has spearheaded efforts to modernize GABC’s operations, enhance e-commerce capabilities and embed sustainability across the organization. Alice also prioritized innovation in learning and development, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of retail excellence.

Beyond GABC, Alice is an active voice in the industry, serving on the boards of the Philippine Retailers Association and the Philippine Franchise Association. With such positions, Alice champions to uplift and advance the local retail industry, empowering enterprises to navigate the ever-changing landscape of retail.

Among Alice’s mandates include a continued focus on professional development, with senior leaders from the company all undergoing Lean Six Sigma training, as well as the infusion of new leadership, all of whom bring with them global perspectives.

With Bernie’s continued strategic involvement and Alice’s proven leadership, Golden ABC remains steadfast in its vision to build brands for the world.