Al Panlilio

President and CEO, PLDT and Smart Communications Inc

 

The president of PLDT leads the pioneering telecoms company through economic challenges

“Transformation” is the word on PLDT president and CEO Al Panlilio’s radar as the nation’s oldest and largest telecommunications company nears its centennial in 2028. “We are undergoing a transformation journey at PLDT and Smart,” Panlilio said. “We have a renewed focus on our five main strategic pillars: elevating customer experience; improving PLDT and Smart’s standing as a premier workplace in the Philippines; establishing industry-leading operational excellence across the group; growing profits through new businesses and capabilities; and making PLDT the region’s leading ESG-compliant telco.”

The past couple of years challenged Panlilio as a leader, particularly with the changing market conditions, natural calamities and the aftermath of the pandemic affecting his company's operations. But the PLDT Group remains resilient, thanks to his focused leadership. In fact, PLDT was named the most valuable brand in the Philippines by an independent study from Brand Finance, a London-based business valuation firm, in 2023. It has achieved a two per cent annual increase in brand value to USD2.6 billion, allowing it a higher market share, and posted the highest Sustainability Perceptions Value among all brands listed at USD222 million.

Evolving technologies also challenge Panlilio and PLDT, and the cost of applying and implementing them on local systems is considerable. “The telecommunications industry is capital-intensive,” Panlilio said. “We must ensure we achieve investment returns as the evolution is rapid.” Yet he also sees these developments as opportunities to better serve the company’s clientele and ensure PLDT’s continued relevance in the industry.

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Panlilio played a season in the Philippine Amateur Basketball League before throwing in the towel for corporate life. He continues to stand as team governor of the Meralco Bolts in the Philippine Basketball Association, and remains an active member of the National Golf Association.

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PLDT

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