AIA Philippines, formerly Philam Life and one of the country’s largest life insurance companies, announces the appointment of new members to its Board of Directors (the “Board”): AIA Philippines Chief Executive Officer Ms. Melita Teo and ABS-CBN Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Carlo L. Katigbak. They are joined by industry veterans Gregorio Yu and Aurelio Montinola III, who also recently became part of the board.
Teo brings over two decades of experience in the insurance industry to her role. Prior to assuming the position of AIA Philippines Chief Executive Officer in January 2024, she served as Chief Customer and Digital Officer at AIA Singapore. There, she spearheaded advancements in customer experience, brand strategy, integrated health propositions, and wealth management solutions. Teo also played a pivotal role in accelerating the company’s digital transformation and leveraging data analytics to create value for customers and distribution partners. She introduced many policy controls and growth initiatives for the company, and under her leadership, AIA Singapore received accolades in Digital, Healthcare and Customer Service Excellence.
Katigbak was appointed Independent Director of AIA Philippines in April 2024, bringing 30 years of leadership experience to the Board. Currently President and Chief Executive Officer of ABS-CBN Corporation, he has held leadership roles at SkyCable Corporation, ABS-CBN Interactive (Digital), and Bayantel Holdings Corp. His background also includes experience in corporate finance at Capital One Equities and as a Financial Analyst at First Pacific Capital.
Leo Grepin, AIA Group Regional Chief Executive and Group Chief Strategy Officer and Chairman of the AIA Philippines Board, said, “AIA Philippines is delighted to welcome Melita and Carlo to our Board of Directors. Melita’s proven track record in digital transformation and customer experience in a competitive economy like Singapore is a huge asset to the insurance industry in the Philippines. Meanwhile, Carlo’s business expertise and intricate understanding of the local market will help us reach more Filipinos and fulfil our Purpose of helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”
Melita Teo said, “I look forward to bringing more than 20 years of knowledge and industry expertise to the Philippines, where there are many opportunities for insurance. AIA Philippines is committed to being there wherever life takes our customers, while being a steady pillar in the insurance industry. Through my experience in digital transformation and customer-centric strategies, I aim to further enhance AIA Philippines’ ability to respond effectively to the evolving needs and aspirations of Filipinos.”
The appointments of Teo and Katigbak follow the strategic additions of Gregorio Yu and Aurelio Montinola III to the Board in 2023. Yu, Chairman of Nexus Technologies Inc. and Director of the Philippine Bank of Communications Inc., has extensive experience leading companies like Belle Corporation and serving on the boards of numerous public and private companies. Montinola, recognised for his leadership in the banking sector as the former President and current Director of BPI, as well as his role as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Far Eastern University, further strengthens the board’s financial acumen and strategic foresight.
“We are also deeply grateful for the contributions of our former board members, Kelvin Ang, Doris Magsaysay-Ho, and Joaquin Quintos IV,” Grepin added. “Their guidance and leadership have been instrumental in AIA Philippines’ growth and success.”
The new board appointments come at a time of significant growth for AIA Philippines. With a focus on innovation and customer-centricity, the company is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of Filipinos and help them live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.