Ramon C. Ang: Corporate Leadership Journey

Oct 2, 2024

Ramon C. Ang: A Profile

Background

  • Current position: President and CEO of San Miguel Corporation (SMC)
  • Recognized as one of Asia's top corporate leaders
  • Joined SMC as Vice Chairman in 1999, became COO in 2002
  • Known for significant contributions to infrastructure and philanthropy

Growth of San Miguel Corporation

  • Financial Performance:
    • 2015: Net revenue of approximately 672 billion pesos; gross profit of 132 billion pesos.
    • Latest figures: Over 1.4 trillion pesos in net revenues; gross profit of about 218 billion pesos.

Early Career

  • Joined SMC board of directors in 1999 at age 43.
  • Initially perceived as an executive assistant to then-chairman Danding Co.
  • Prior experience in heavy equipment importation and property business, estimated net worth of $250 million at the time.

Strategic Moves in Leadership

  • 2000: Sought investors for a 30 billion pesos reclamation project, faced legal challenges.
  • 2001: Continued to face challenges with government relations affecting the company's leadership.
  • 2002: Became official President of SMC, a position largely viewed as a formalization of his existing role.
  • Acquired 10% stake in Phil Webb, a casino operator.

Expansion Strategies

  • 2003: Announced a 2 billion pesos bottling plant for Ginebra San Miguel; sought growth in Southeast Asia.
  • 2004: Established a production facility in Malaysia, acquired a Malaysian packaging firm.
  • 2005: Led acquisition of National Foods for $1.8 billion, contributing significantly to SMC's profitability.

Major Acquisitions and Developments

  • 2006: National Foods significantly contributed to SMC's profits.
  • 2007-2008: Continued acquisitions, including San Miguel Brewery and Bank of Commerce, despite a global recession.
  • 2009: Plans for retirement at age 55 were publicized, but he continued to lead SMC.
  • 2011: Major investment announcements including a $10 billion merger spree and acquisition of Philippine Airlines.
  • 2012: Acquired 11% stake in SMC, solidifying his influence and ownership.

Current Status

  • Through Top Frontier Investment Holdings, Ang and Inigo Zobel hold 61.78% of SMC.
  • Ang's journey illustrates his transformation from a businessman to a key figure in SMC's growth and success.