AREIT Inc., the country’s first publicly listed real estate investment trust, is switching gears at the top as Alberto M. de Larrazabal takes the driver’s seat as president and CEO starting today.

Still wearing his other hat as Ayala Corp.’s chief financial officer until year-end, De Larrazabal brings more than two decades of know-how in corporate finance, strategy, and operations. 

His track record spans senior finance posts at Globe Telecom, San Miguel Corp., and JP Morgan Hong Kong—plus a hefty toolkit in mergers and acquisitions, investor relations, and enterprise transformation.

He steps in for Jose Eduardo A. Quimpo II, who hands over the reins after steering AREIT through a period of accelerated growth and diversification.

“We are delighted to welcome Albert as President and CEO of AREIT. His strategic insights, financial expertise, and deep understanding of the markets and our ecosystem make him the ideal leader to continue to drive the execution of AREIT’s growth and diversification plans,” AREIT chairman Meean B. Dy said on Wednesday. 

Under Quimpo’s watch, assets under management climbed from P87 billion to a projected P138 billion. He also led a P21 billion infusion to bulk up the portfolio and unlock long-term value—a fitting send-off for a leader who kept his foot firmly on the growth pedal.