Cover Cory Navarro of King's Group of Companies continues to create opportunities that extend far beyond the boardroom
Cory Navarro of King's Group of Companies continues to create opportunities that extend far beyond the boardroom
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Kings Group of Companies
Kings Group of Companies founder Cory Navarro navigates two markets and continents, but places faith and family first
“I come from Zamboanga, down south of the Philippines,” Cory Navarro says. “I know what it means to need someone to believe in you before you can believe in yourself. That’s why philanthropy, for me, isn’t an afterthought to business success—it’s the whole point of it.”
“Every door that opened for me”, she adds, “I’ve tried to open for someone else.”
As founder of the Kings Group of Companies, Navarro oversees a diverse portfolio spanning manpower, financing, retail and education. Abroad, Alongside her partner Paul Crewe, she has helped grow Crewe Sharp, a nursing and training agency based in Australia. “Being a woman in this industry has meant proving myself twice over at times,” she admits, “But it’s also given me a leadership style rooted in collaboration and trust rather than control. That has been my greatest strength, whether I’m in Zamboanga, Manila or Melbourne.”
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Above At the helm of Kings Group of Companies, Cory Navarro oversees a diverse portfolio spanning finance, retail, education and manpower
Above Years of building businesses have only strengthened Cory Navarro's commitment to creating opportunities for others
At the helm of Kings Group of Companies, Cory Navarro oversees a diverse portfolio spanning finance, retail, education and manpower
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Despite the demands of her work, Navarro remains anchored by spending time with her family. Travelling and the occasional shopping trip provide balance to a life filled with meetings and responsibilities. Fashion, in particular, has always been more than a business interest, as she enjoys interpreting trends through her own established sense of style. “It is a form of self-expression,” she says. “It helps me relax, but it also sharpens how I present myself to the world.” Beyond business, she is a dedicated Rotarian and past president of the Rotary Club of Makati EDSA, and a member of Rotary International’s Arch Klumph Society.
In case you missed it: HerStory: Camille Makasiar and the Kings Group of Companies are creating spaces for women to succeed
Above From championing education to supporting local athletes, Cory Navarro's impact reaches far beyond business
From championing education to supporting local athletes, Cory Navarro's impact reaches far beyond business
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Her philanthropic ventures intensified following the death of her husband, Rolando Navarro Sr. “Losing my husband was the most defining moment of my life,” she says. “It could have ended our family’s mission in Zamboanga. Instead, it deepened it.” In his memory, she established the Rolando M Navarro Sr Foundation, which focuses on sports and education initiatives. Their support for homegrown athletes is embodied by the Zamboanga Valientes, which has expanded beyond basketball to support boxing and other sports. In addition, its Life-Changing Scholars programme supports 30 active scholars. “These matter to me because they carry forward my husband’s vision, giving opportunities to aspiring athletes and students in [the city],” she explains.
Above Cory Navarro remains guided by the values of faith, family and service
Cory Navarro remains guided by the values of faith, family and service
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Above Across every venture, Cory Navarro brings the same steady focus
Above As both an entrepreneur and mentor, Cory Navarro believes every milestone carries the responsibility to uplift others
Across every venture, Cory Navarro brings the same steady focus
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The past decades have taught Navarro the importance of seizing opportunities, while her personal hardships and challenges shaped her strength of character. “Faith and family come first—no title or achievement matters more than who you are at home.”
It is the lesson she hopes to pass on to her children and grandchildren: that success should never end with oneself. Gratitude must be translated into service and that the most meaningful legacy is measured not by what one accumulates, but by how many doors one leaves open for others.
Learn more about the Kings Group of Companies at kingsgroup.com.ph.
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Credits
Photography: Raph Hidalgo
Photography Assistant: MJ Lambon
Make-Up: Elvie Recalde
Hair: Rudolf Davalos
Styling: Monique Madsen
Production: Michelle Soriano, Johannah Reglos and Bel Zamora
Creative Direction: Bianca Simeon
Outfit: Natori and ALC
Location: Umritá de Solace
About
Tobias wants to write things that make people think, laugh, and reflect. He’s especially proud when he can sneak in a cheeky pop-culture reference or a pun in his titles and articles.
He possesses a deep love of history, resulting from years of books, games, and museum visits. It was this fascination with the human endeavour that fostered his love of writing, spanning genres, tones, and moods. He one day hopes to write a novel—he just hasn't decided on a genre yet. A certified homebody, you'll often find him on the computer he built himself, binge-watching Seinfeld or House, playing his favourite gacha game, or reading a book.
Work
Tobias is a features writer that specialises in branded content. Reach out to him at tobias.tomas@tatlerasia.com.
