Zobel de Ayala pere et fils stress trust, resilience in Ayala succession

Ayala Corp.’s approach to succession rests on preparing future leaders to navigate uncertainty, solve problems and preserve the trust built by the conglomerate over generations, according to father-and-son executives Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (JAZA) and Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala.

Speaking at the 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit on Wednesday, 11 November, JAZA said that the family does not follow a formal plan for preparing its next generation, but encourages its children to step outside their comfort zones and face unfamiliar challenges early in life.

Out of comfort zones at an early age

“We encourage them to move out of their comfort zones at an early age,” he said, recalling how Jaime Alfonso was sent to work on a farm in the Australian outback at around 13 years old.

He said such experiences help develop resilience, problem-solving skills and the ability to find solutions rather than be discouraged in difficult circumstances.

For his part, Jaime Alfonso, currently AC Mobility CEO, meanwhile, credited his father with demonstrating how effective governance can be in balancing oversight with management while giving business leaders the freedom to lead.

Both coach and player

“He was both coach and player for a long period of time,” said Jaime Alfonso, describing his father’s role in guiding the group’s businesses while serving in leadership positions.

Jaime Alfonso, named a Young Global Leader in 2024 by the World Economic Forum, added that one of JAZA’s most important leadership lessons was setting clear long-term direction while empowering managers to make their own decisions.

Preparing Ayala’s institutional trust

As Ayala prepares for its 200th anniversary in 2038, Jaime Alfonso said preserving the group’s institutional trust remains central to its modernization.

“We think Ayala has a very unique component of its brand which is trust with many different stakeholders,” he said.

He explained that trust is built by consistently communicating and delivering value to shareholders, employees, business partners and other stakeholders.

Highlighting the group’s entrepreneurial culture

Jaime Alfonso also highlighted the group’s entrepreneurial culture, saying Ayala must continue challenging itself and adapting to new technologies and customer needs.

He cited the group’s entry into electric mobility through AC Mobility as an example of how Ayala has applied its investment evaluation capabilities while learning to execute in an emerging industry.

Looking toward the conglomerate’s next century, he said remaining relevant to Filipino communities and global partners would be essential to sustaining Ayala’s role in the country’s development.