Ayala Corporation has announced the appointment of Juan Carlos L. Syquia as its new deputy chief financial officer (CFO), effective May 2025, in line with the company’s succession planning ahead of the upcoming retirement of current CFO Alberto M. de Larrazabal. Syquia, who is currently serving as executive vice president and head of institutional banking at Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), will work closely with de Larrazabal before taking over as CFO on January 1, 2026.
Ayala president and CEO Cezar P. Consing emphasized the strategic importance of Syquia’s appointment, highlighting his extensive experience in corporate and investment banking. “We are pleased to have John-C join us at Ayala Corp. His extensive banking experience, strong financial acumen, and proven leadership give us great confidence that Ayala’s financial leadership will remain in very capable hands,” Consing said.
Syquia’s distinguished career spans over three decades, including leadership roles at ING and Standard Chartered, where he specialized in strategy, business development, and corporate finance. His academic credentials include an MBA in Finance and International Business from Fordham University and a Bachelor’s degree in Management Economics from Ateneo de Manila University.
This leadership transition comes as Ayala Corp. prepares for the retirement of de Larrazabal, who joined the conglomerate in April 2021 and has played a key role in its financial strategy during his tenure.
Additionally, the Ayala board also approved the designation of Jose Rene Gregory D. Almendras as public affairs principal, effective at the start of the year. Almendras previously served as senior managing director and head of Ayala’s Public Affairs Group.
The succession plan ensures a smooth leadership transition at the top, positioning Ayala Corp. for continued growth and innovation in the coming years.
