News
Vivienne Tan succeeds Jaime Bautista at Philippine Airlines
June 21st 2019
Lucio Tan’s daughter named officer in charge. Read More »
Succession planning occurred quickly at Philippine Airlines (PAL), where Vivienne Tan, the daughter of billionaire chairman, Lucio Tan, was named officer in charge after Jaime Bautista announced his retirement while on company travel in France. Bautista had flagged plans for retirement on the side lines of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) AGM in Seoul earlier this month.
The retirement is effective on June 30, but Bautista told Skift if the handover is quick, he can leave earlier. Skift said not all board members were aware of the change until it was publicly announced.
Although Bautista has spoken about retirement, a time period was never mentioned. Last month he was reappointed president and director.
Bautista has served 26 years at PAL, including 13 as president and COO. He led PAL’s turnaround, succeeded in finding PAL an airline investor (All Nippon Airways) and received awards for improved quality.
Skift reported a local analyst expected PAL to seek professional help to run the airline. Skift also reported staff loyal to Bautista “had either been let go, asked to resign, or sidelined”.
