Top 10 COOs in Philippines

AI Redefining Operations

The Philippines' current landscape is one of constant change that has put Chief Operating Officers (COOs) in positions of responsibility for improving operational excellence and strategic alignment in organizations. COOs act as second-in-command to the CEO, managing and optimizing daily operational efficiencies across industries, including BPO, technology, retail, and manufacturing, wherever they find themselves. As the country grows economically, digitally, and demographically, COOs serve as vital conduits of growth in a rapidly changing market.
COOs face a unique set of challenges in the Philippine business landscape; the need to consider and manage regulatory compliance, cultural diversity, and infrastructure limitations while capitalising on the benefits of an emerging digital economy. They use innovative frameworks and robust strategies to maintain market success and develop the organization while minimizing operational supply chain issues.

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Top 10 COOs in Philippines - 2025

The Philippines' current landscape is one of constant change that has put Chief Operating Officers (COOs) in positions of responsibility for improving operational excellence and strategic alignment in organizations. COOs act as second-in-command to the CEO, managing and optimizing daily operational efficiencies across industries, including BPO, technology, retail, and manufacturing, wherever they find themselves. As the country grows economically, digitally, and demographically, COOs serve as vital conduits of growth in a rapidly changing market.

COOs face a unique set of challenges in the Philippine business landscape; the need to consider and manage regulatory compliance, cultural diversity, and infrastructure limitations while capitalising on the benefits of an emerging digital economy. They use innovative frameworks and robust strategies to maintain market success and develop the organization while minimizing operational supply chain issues. They achieve this by growing agile processes and employing digital solutions for organizations in technology and startup environments, and by modernising traditional operational frameworks while considering sustainable operations for mature companies in traditional industries.

They also work collaboratively across many business units (finance, HR, etc.) and build a performance-oriented culture. Many pair this work with stakeholder management where they establish relationships with new partners to grow their market share. Along with the increased adoption of remote work and businesses' reliance on digital capabilities and tools, COOs are integrating up-to-date technology such as ERP systems and analytical data.

Their leadership style is a balance between a long-term strategic view and the active management of the day-to-day operations of the business. Increases in a company's performance necessitate their role to ensure alignment in achieving the company's internal and external stakeholder goals in conjunction with the ever-changing economic and regulatory factors in the Philippines. A COO is integral to a sustainable business strategy and long-term commercial growth in a competitive global market.

CEO Insights Asia in this issue presents a list of ‘Top 10 COOs in Philippines - 2025' who have leveraged their extensive industry expertise and experience in offering effective skills to the market. The following list has been prepared after being closely scrutinized by a distinguished panel of judges including CXOs, analysts and our editorial board. We recognize their valuable contribution to the ever expanding and competitive market and their ability to sustain themselves and emerge as top contestants through their reliable knowledge.

Top 10 COOs in Philippines - 2025

Company Management	Company Name	Company Description
Alexander Coo, President & COO	AboitizPower	He brings leadership experience in the Philippine power sector, focusing on operational excellence, energy management, and driving sustainable growth for the company
Daniel Arago, Chief Operating Officer	Primeres Energy Corporation	An electronics and communications engineer with over 19 years of experience in the Philippine power sector, he specializes in commercial operations, retail electricity supply, and strategic energy management
Dinah Ilagan, COO & Director	Asian M&A Links	She has experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate strategy, and business development, helping organizations navigate complex transactions and achieve growth across Asia
Gelo Torres, Chief Operating Officer	Fronted	An operations and strategy expert with deep experience in e-Commerce, supply chain, and logistics, he has led VC-backed startups in Southeast Asia and provides strategic consulting to drive business growth and operational excellence
Jayson Barlan, COO	Lyceum of the Philippines	He oversees institutional operations, driving efficiency, innovation, and strategic initiatives to support the university’s growth and academic excellence
Mahvic Caldito, COO	Citiworks Manpower Resources Corp	She leads the company’s operations with a focus on workforce management, client partnerships, and delivering reliable manpower solutions to support business growth
Renan Reyes, COO	JSML Corporation	He brings over two decades of experience in IT solutions integration, serving clients across diverse industries, including retail, manufacturing, telecommunications, government, healthcare, and construction
Robert Baffrey, COO	Ayala Corporation	He oversees the operations of 32 wastewater treatment plants, ensuring compliance with discharge standards and driving continuous improvement
Shena Marie Dabalos, COO	Chronostep	With years of experience in the tech industry and a background in software engineering, she specializes in driving business growth through customer-centric, agile, and cost-effective solutions
Wendy Antonio, COO	RDR Business Solution	She leads the company’s operations with a focus on process efficiency, client service, and strategic growth to deliver innovative business solutions

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