CEO Insights Magazine

In a world facing complex challenges such as climate change, energy security, and social development, true progress is driven by individuals who choose to lead with purpose and vision. These are the people who recognize the power of action and dedicate themselves to creating meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

One such name is Vince S. Pérez, Chairman of Alternergy Holdings Corporation, a publicly-traded renewable power company developing wind, solar and mini-hydro projects all over the country. His experience is testament to how dedication, creativity, and responsible management can build a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Vince began his international career at Mellon Bank in 1983 after obtaining his Bachelor of Business Economics degree at the University of the Philippines and his MBA at the Wharton School. His experience in the emerging markets subsequently led him to Lazard first in London and later set up Lazard’s debt trading unit in New York, making him the first Asian General Partner of the firm at the age of 35.

He continued to lead Lazard Asia Singapore and then founded a private equity firm Next Century Partners in Singapore, and assisted a number of companies to list on the equities market.

Vince forayed into the world of public service in 2001 first as Undersecretary of Trade and Industry, followed by his appointment as Philippine Energy Minister, when he became an advocate of clean, indigenous energy.

After four years of public service, Vince took a sabbatical as a World Fellow at Yale University during when he pivoted his personal mission towards sustainability and business leadership by founding Alternergy and serving on several board and advisory positions around the world.

We are delighted to engage in an exclusive interview with Vince, who takes us through his professional journey and leadership insights. Can you describe your progression from the corporate sector to successful entrepreneurship?

My journey has been shaped by my global finance experience, my public service, and a strong desire to create meaningful impact. I built my foundation in international banking and became the first Filipino senior partner on Wall Street, which gave me the perspective and confidence to pursue endeavours beyond the corporate sphere.

That path eventually led me into entrepreneurship, where I established ventures in aquaculture, private equity, and sustainable eco-tourism. Every step reflects my belief in using expertise with purpose, creating opportunities that uplift communities and deliver long-term, meaningful impact.

How do you implement the Triple Play Renewable strategy?

We implemented the Triple Play Renewable strategy by expanding Alternergy’s portfolio from our pioneering success in wind power to include solar and run of river hydro, creating a complementary mix of renewable resources.

This approach evolved from my initial investment in Northwind, the first wind farm in Southeast Asia, and later ventures such as Solar Pacific, which were consolidated under Alternergy to build an integrated, diversified renewable energy platform focused on long-term sustainability.

How do you apply your Quadruple Bottom Line philosophy?

As Chairman of Alternergy, I have dedicated myself to advancing the renewable energy landscape. The roots of my green vision trace back to my years as Philippine Energy Minister from 2001 to 2005, when I led efforts to strengthen energy self-sufficiency, champion indigenous clean energy, and establish a forward-looking renewable policy framework. My passion for sustainability and social impact continues to guide my work at Alternergy.

We measure success not only in financial returns, but also in the environmental benefits we deliver - from reducing carbon emissions through our clean energy projects in wind, solar, and run-of-river hydro, to uplifting our host communities we partner with, while engaging with our employees to be fulfilled team members. Our philosophy embraces a Quadruple Bottom Line, ensuring that our people, our planet, our partner communities, and our performance all grow together. In short, our Bottom Line is simply about Responsible Profit.

How has Alternergy established itself as a pioneer in renewable energy, & what are your future growth priorities?

Over the last 15 years, Alternergy has become a pioneer in renewable power and is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange in 2023. Backed by one of Southeast Asia’s most experienced wind and solar power teams, the company continues to advance innovation in resource assessment, transmission access, finance, and project execution. We aim to further pioneer in aqua-voltaic development, battery energy storage, and offshore wind.

We also aim to pioneer in green capital markets, receiving a Sustainable Finance Award for our Pililla wind project in 2015, raising our first green corporate loan in 2024, and receiving the first Green Equity Label for a Philippine publicly-listed company in 2025, to encourage other companies that doing good for the planet is also good for the bottom line.

Can you describe your Three- Bucket philosophy and how it guides your personal and professional commitments?

How we allocate our time is how we define ourselves, and I define my time in terms of three buckets of time dedicated to what is important to me. My Three- Bucket philosophy prioritizes time devoted to family and friends, to the environment, and to clean energy, reflecting how I choose to define my life and work. At 66, I continue to serve as a renewable energy pioneer, as a sustainability advocate, and as a global board member across clean energy, conservation, sustainable finance, and environment education.

My goal is to leave a meaningful legacy for my daughter and to advance environmental stewardship through roles with organizations such as WWF, regional advisory boards in clean energy investing, business in the environment, and promoting sustainable initiatives in Bhutan and New Zealand.

What personal passions shape your journey and values?

At my core, I am an adventurer. I’ve written books inspired by my sailing journeys, haiku poetry, and nature hikes. My commitment to the environment is reflected in Alternergy’s history and previously in sustainable eco-tourism. Whether diving, exploring nature, or practicing Arnis, I pursue each passion with enthusiasm. Alongside my professional responsibilities, I remain a devoted husband to Maria and a proud father to Siena.

As I continue exploring new horizons, I stay committed to my Ikagai a life grounded in purpose and sustainability, fully aligned with the stated mission of Alternergy: “to create a sustainable future for the next generation”.

Vince drives sustainable progress as Co-Founder & Chairman of Alternergy, turning decades of global leadership into clean energy innovation that strengthens communities and secures a resilient future.

Alternergy became the first publicly-listed company on the Philippine Stock Exchange to receive a Green Equity Label, November 2025; Alternergy’s pioneering Triple Play portfolio of wind, solar, and hydro was commemorated with a publication on its 15th anniversary in June 2024. (This page, from left to right) Alternergy conducts frequent team building activities as part of its Quadruple Bottom Line philosophy; Vince has assembled a circle of professionals with complementary skills as his senior executive team: (from left to right) head of Solar Mike Lichtenfeld, Vince, Co-Founder and Group CEO Gerry Magbanua, CFO Carmen Diaz, General Counsel Ina Arriola, Co-Founder and head of Wind Knud Hedeager, and head of Hydro Eduardo Martinez-Miranda.