Retail Asia Summit - Philippines - March 13, 2025

Alice Liu is the President and Chief Executive Officer of GOLDEN ABC, Incorporated (GABC). With a professional career that spans over 30 years, Alice grew her expertise in fashion retailing and marketing, as she built the design and merchandising capability of the company into what it is today. Joining GABC in its early years, she was key in developing all the company’s award-winning, homegrown brands, particularly Penshoppe, Oxygen, Memo, ForMe, Bocu, and the acquisition and rebirth of Regatta.

As President and CEO of GABC, Alice leads a team of professional executives championing retail operations, supply chain, IT operations, merchandising, planning and buying, marketing, finance, human capital and strategy.

Lance is a Principal in Boston Consulting Group’s Manila office and has worked with offline and online retailers in the Philippines and USA. He has also led some of BCG’s proprietary research on the Filipino consumer. Lance recently rejoined BCG after spending the last four years at Clair, a US-based neobank, where he was the first employee and led the company as Chief Revenue Officer from 0 to its first $1 million in revenue.  At BCG, he has worked with clients in retail, fintech, and consumer goods on topics around strategy, transformation, and performance management across 14 countries in North America and Asia-Pacific. Lance graduated from Harvard University with a degree in visual studies. Outside of work, Lance is an avid half-marathon runner, home cook, husband, and dog dad to two golden retrievers. 

Jaceline Go has over a decade of combined experience in marketing, client relations, and business development, with experience in both corporate and international settings. She holds a Business Marketing degree from California Coast University and an MBA from Ateneo de Manila University. Currently a Manager at YCP Holdings, she focuses on marketing, research, and business growth initiatives. Previously, she worked at Etihad Airways, refining her expertise in customer experience and brand loyalty in competitive industries.

Paul Andrew Birkett is the Chief Operating Officer of Ayala Malls, overseeing the strategic and operational management of one of the Philippines’ largest and most dynamic retail and lifestyle portfolios. With extensive global experience spanning the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, he brings deep expertise in property and asset management across high-footfall retail, residential, and commercial environments.

Prior to joining Ayala Malls, Mr. Birkett held senior leadership roles in major international property and investment firms. He served as Vice President for Retail at Meraas, a semi-government entity in Dubai, where he led the expansion of the company’s retail portfolio, including the development of four new malls, beach destinations, and the award-winning F&B food park concept, Last Exit. He also held a key leadership position at Nakheel, where he managed a diverse asset portfolio encompassing malls, residential properties, commercial spaces, and leisure destinations with over 20,000 properties.

Before moving to the Middle East, Mr. Birkett was National Director for ISS, the world’s leading facility management company, overseeing operational delivery across a range of corporate and commercial properties. He also played a pivotal role in Europe’s retail landscape, serving as General Manager for Lendlease, where he led Europe’s highest-performing REIT, and previously as Operations Director managing a portfolio of over 30 retail destinations with an annual footfall exceeding 400 million. His expertise in designing and developing large-scale projects is further demonstrated by his work on one of the Middle East’s leading super-regional retail destinations in Doha, Qatar, where he spearheaded the project’s development and operational strategy from the ground up.

With a strong background in real estate development, asset lifecycle management, and operational excellence, Mr. Birkett continues to drive innovation and strategic growth in Ayala Malls, reinforcing its position as a premier retail and lifestyle destination in Southeast Asia.

Graham Coates is the First Vice President and Head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, the retail and commercial arm of real estate giant Megaworld Corporation and the pioneer of the lifestyle mall concept in the country.

He is responsible for overseeing the operations of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ 24 properties across the country, providing leadership in leasing, mall management, marketing, finance, and overall business strategy. Under his leadership, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls has been recognized as a two-time Mall of the Year awardee by Retail Asia, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.

Mr. Graham Coates brings extensive international experience, having worked with multinational companies across Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, and Asia, including Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines. In the country, he has spent the past two decades in both family-owned retail businesses and major mall operations.
 

Mr. Steven T. Tan holds a master’s in business administration from the Paris School of Management. His professional career aptly began in the hospitality industry as Management Trainee, working his way up the corporate ladder at the 5-star Howard Plaza Hotel in Taipei, Taiwan from 1990 to 1998. He then moved to Shanghai to open the Barcelo Grand Hotel. He returned to the Philippines to become Regional Director of Marketing and Communications for FilBarcelo, handling external affairs for the Barcelo Group, one of Spain’s leading tourismcompanies with over 230 hotels in 21 countries.

His training in international hotel management caught the eye of Mrs. Tessie Sy-Coson, who met Steven at the Barcelo-managed Taal Vista Hotel in 2004 and asked him to lend his touch of international service levels to SM’s joint venture with Singapore’s Keppel Land, The Podium Mall. After 2 short years, he found himself spearheading the launch and operations of SM Supermall’s
crown jewel, SM Mall of Asia, where Steven took daily mentoring sessions from the SM founder himself, Mr. Henry Sy, Sr.

His success in launching the Mall of Asia amidst a volatile economy, in a location considered by many to be too far and isolated to be economically viable, became the catalyst for Steven’s rise to head SM’s Premier Malls Division in the Philippines, which accounts for over 35% of the system’s sales and revenue. Steven’s responsibilities also included overseeing all the SM mallsin China.

His hard work and relentless dedication to customer delight led to his appointment as President of SM Supermalls in early 2020, just as Taal Volcano spewed ash over SM’s Batangas malls and the Covid pandemic halted all business operations, unprecedented in all of SM’s 63 years of service.

His leadership during the pandemic was particularly noteworthy, as he steered the company through the challenges of caring for varied SM stakeholders: its employees, service providers, tenant-partners and customers. His execution of Mr. Hans Sy’s quick response to the government’s call to lend a hand in the nationwide vaccination drive by offering the malls as its single largest venue partner led to over 11M Filipinos vaccinated against Covid and the early restoration of business normalcy in these communities.

His dedication has earned him prestigious accolades, both locally and internationally, among these The UN Women Asia-Pacific Empowerment Principle Award for Leadership Commitment, The Filipino Executive of the Year at the Asia CEO Awards, and the Global Peace Award for Philanthropy and Corporate Citizenship from the Global Peace Foundation.

Mr. Steven T. Tan’s leadership, strategic vision and commitment to excellence continue to drive SM Supermalls’ success. His confident outlook on the company’s future and his consistent push for innovation and positive change are nothing but an inspiration to the predominantly Gen Z organization he leads daily. 

Wence Wenceslao is the Senior Global Digital Lead at Unilever Beauty & Wellbeing, where she drives digital innovation and operational excellence across global markets, scaling a fully optimized content supply chain. With over 15 years of experience, she has led award-winning Beauty Tech and AI initiatives, including BeautyHub PRO & U-COIN program, driving double-digit growth in engagement and sales. Previously, she held leadership roles at Unilever Southeast Asia, SM Investments, and Globe Telecom, consistently delivering business growth through data-driven strategies and digital transformation.

Timothy Chuongco is a seasoned FMCG executive with over 25 years of experience.  He started his career in sales and now serves as COO of Cosmetique Asia Corporation. He is passionate about building high-performing teams and driving growth through strategic leadership, operational excellence, and innovation in the fast paced consumer goods industry. 
 

Gilbert T. Trinchera is a Partner at KPMG in the Philippines, heading the Digital Transformation, and Alliances practice. With 12+ years of experience, he specializes in AI strategy and governance, digital and IT transformation, data analytics, cyber maturity, IT audit, and risk consulting, working across government, private, and international non-profit sectors.

He is currently an esteemed Council member of the Responsible Analytics and AI Council (RAAIC) of the Analytics & AI Association of the Philippines (AAP) and Chairperson of the Digital Transformation Committee of the Association of CPAs in Commerce & Industry (ACPACI). He also co-chaired the 2024 Accountancy Week Celebration of PICPA Metro Manila Region.

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and holder of multiple professional certifications, he earned his Bachelor’s in Accountancy, cum laude (Saint Paul School of Professional Studies), a Master of Technology Management (University of the Philippines Diliman, University Scholar), and a Master of Project Management (High Distinction) from the American Academy of Project Management, USA.

Recognized for excellence, he received the KPMG Chairman's Award for Excellence (2021) and back-to-back Anvil Awards (2023 & 2024) for his contributions to the KPMG Innovation Summit and Global Tech Innovation Awards Philippines. A regular speaker on AI governance, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and audit, he has presented at ISACA, IIA, PICPA, AAP, Escom, Ortus Club, Digital Pilipinas, and various academic institutions. He is also a contributing writer for the Philippine Star’s "Top of Mind" and Business Mirror’s "KPMG Perspectives".

Denice Sy is the Chief Sales and Marketing Officer (CSMO) for Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc. (EBCI), the leading local cosmetics company in the Philippines, with over ten years of experience in the beauty industry.

Before joining EBCI, she graduated from University of California Berkeley, where she obtained a simultaneous degree in B.S. Business Administration at the Haas School of Business and B.A. South & Southeast Asian Studies with honours. She is currently a regular columnist at Manila Bulletin and also serves in the Board of Trustees of the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines. As CSMO, she leads the company's revenue channels, product development and innovation, and marketing.

Francis E. Flores is the President and Country CEO of PICKUP COFFEE, leading the company’s growth, innovation, and commitment to delivering an exceptional coffee experience. With a strong track record in marketing and general management, he brings strategic expertise to solidify PICKUP COFFEE’s position as the leading fast beverage brand in the Philippines, enhancing operational excellence and driving business success.

With 27 years of experience from PLDT/Smart Communications, Jollibee Foods Corporation, and Unilever, Francis has a proven track record in transforming businesses and spearheading award-winning marketing campaigns, including "Kwentong Jollibee". He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from UP Diliman, graduating cum laude, and completed the Digital Transformation Executive Education Program at Harvard Business School in 2024. Now at PICKUP COFFEE, he is focused on driving the brand’s expansion and innovation, redefining the coffee experience in the Philippines

Kaye is a Business Consulting Partner in SGV & Co, a member firm of EY. She has extensive experience in finance transformation programs, and helped companies envision the future of their finance function and create a transformation program from design to implementation. She also focuses on helping multinational companies set-up their shared services or global business services in the Philippines.

Philippine Seven Corporation
January 2005 - Present President & Chief Executive Officer
March 2004 - December 2004 Vice President for Operations
1995 - 1998 - General Manager, Support Services
1993 - 1995 - Planning & Engineering Manager 

Other Companies
1999 - Present President & Director, Convenience Distribution Inc.
2013 - Present Founder & CEO, First Microfinance Lending Network
2001 - 2004 - Co-Founder and Managing Director, Electronic
Commerce Payment Networks, Inc. (EC Pay)
1990 - 1993 - Management Training Program, Nestle USA, Freehold, NJ 

Other Organizations 
January 2022 - Present - Board of Trustees, Philippine Business for Social Progress 
June 2019 - Present - Board of Trustees, Makati Business Club 
May 2019 - July 2022 - Independent Director, Max’s Group Inc.  
2017 - Present - Board of Trustees, Philippine Franchise Association  
2018 - Present - Co-Chair, Bishops Businessmen’s Conference for Human Development 
2015 - Present - Member, Board of Directors, National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), Alexandria, VA, USA 
2019 - 2023 - Vice Chair at Large, NACS Executive Committee 
October 2023 - October 2024 - Chairman of the Board, NACS 
October 2023 - Present - Member, NACS Compensation and Nomination Committees 
August 2012 - August 2016 - Philippine Representative, Coca-Cola Retailing Research Council Asia  
2009 - 2011 - Forum Chair, Young President’s Organization            

Education
1987 - 1990 - BS Mechanical Engineering Magna Cum Laude, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA; Martindale Scholar; Captain, Boxing Team; Vice President, East Asia Society
1985 - 1987 - BS Management Engineering (Dean’s Lister) Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU)
1981 - 1985 - ADMU HS, Honors Program

Agaton Teodoro Uvero is currently an Assistant Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), overseeing the Fair Trade Group, and previously managed the Management Services Group. He previously worked in various capacities in the House of Representatives, Senate, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Finance (DOF).
 

Early in his career, he worked as an international trade manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers before co-founding a consulting partnership specializing in international trade, logistics and supply chain. He has provided advisory services and training for many of the Top 1000 corporations, multinational firms, professional, and industry associations and business chambers.

He has worked on various technical assistance programs funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and USAID. In 2017, he authored the book “Understanding International Trade, Tariffs and Customs”. A lawyer and a licensed customs broker, he holds degrees in Philosophy and Law (Juris Doctor) from UP Diliman and is an alumnus of East West Center (New Generation Program). He is a lecturer at the UP-Law Center and Ateneo School of Law (MCLE Program) on topics such as international trade, tariff and customs.

SUBSIDIARIES & AFFILATES:
1. Quorum International Inc.
2. Toby's Sports
3. Toby's Sports Arena
4. Runnr
5. UrbanAthletics
6. Cycle Aports
7. Sports Resources Inc.
8. Anita Realty & Dev. Corp.
9. Fitness Intelligence Inc.
10. Total Sports Technology
11. Chairman - Golds Gym (JV)

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
2021 to Present -
*Comm. Member-Tourism Cluster PRIVATE SECTOR ADVISORY COUNCIL of President F. R. Marcos
*Current President, GS1 Philippines- Bar Coding & Product Standards 
*Member Advisory Council: Federation of Asia Pacific Retailers Association (FAPRA)

2023-2025 President - Philippine Retailers Association
*Vice Chairman- International Relations, Phil. Retailers Asso. (2015-2022)
*Co-Chairman - PCCI, Retail Committee ((2021)
*2023-2025 - Incoming President Philippine Retail Asso (PRA)

1999- 2021 - Past President, Phil Retailers Associstion 
*Vice President, Phil. Franchise Association
*Sub-sector Chairman, Study on Sporting Goods – BOI
*2021 - President & Founder GS1 Phili. President- Bar Coding & Product Standards

ACHIEVEMENTS ATTAINED:
1. Awardee- PLDT Bossing Of the Year Awards (2011)
2. Finalist - Entreprenuer of the year (2006) - Ernst & Young
3. De La Salle Entreprenuership Award - 2016
4. PRA Platinum Awardee (2020)
5. Advisory Council – Federation of Asia Pacific Retail Associations (FAPRA)

ACHIEVEMENTS ATTAINED:
1. Awardee- PLDT Bossing Of the Year Awards (2011)
2. Finalist - Entreprenuer of the year (2006) - Ernst & Young
3. De La Salle Entreprenuership Award - 2016
4. PRA Platinum Awardee (2020)
5. Advisory Council – Federation of Asia Pacific Retail Associations (FAPRA)
6. Ang SUSI Award -PCAAE (2024)
7. Advisory Board- NRF Asia Pacific (2025)

Pavan Powar is a seasoned professional with 10+ years of experience in business and strategy roles. He currently heads Strategy and Marketplace for SariSuki, a hyperlocal eGrocery platform that provides consumers with the freshest produce at the best value. Prior to moving to the Philippines, Pavan was part of the growing startup ecosystem in India. He spent 3 years at Indian E-Commerce giant Flipkart in various roles across strategy and business development. Post which he's worked exclusively with early stage startups, helping them to drive sustainable growth. Outside of work, Pavan is a PADI Certified Scuba Diving Instructor and also enjoys playing football, cricket and tennis.

Mr. Pampolina started his career as a Junior Bank Officer (Union Bank) being recognized as a Quality Banker and worked his way up from being a Business Development & Strategic Planning Manager (P. J. Lhuillier Group of Companies), Supply Chain & Operations Manager (Technomarine Philippines) and a Business Development & Operations Manager (Aboitiz Group).

Graduated with a Management Economics degree from Ateneo De Manila University and an MBA from De La Salle University graduating with distinction and dean’s honors list where he previously was an Associate Lecturer teaching Strategic Management.

Jem was awarded the Leadership Practice Awards - FP&A Lead of the Year (Finalist) by CXO Society (Singapore) last January 2022 and Best Real Estate CCO for the C-Suite Awards June 2024 (UK).

Currently, Jem is the Chief Sustainability Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, VP of Investor Relations & Corporate Planning & Corporate Information Officer for Sta. Lucia Land Inc.