Robinsons Land Corp, the developer of the NUSTAR Resort & Casino, a major tourism complex in Cebu, Philippines, has announced the promotion of Maria Socorro Isabelle Aragon-GoBio to the position of president and chief executive. Her appointment will take effect on February 1, according to a statement released.
Philippines-listed Robinsons Land is controlled by the privately owned Gokongwei Group. Robinsons Land said its board approved the changes in a meeting held on Monday.
Robinsons Land stated Lance Gokongwei is to step down as the company’s president and CEO on February 1. Mr Gokongwei’s sister, Robina Gokongwei-Pe, is also departing on the same day from her post as one of the company’s directors, according to Monday’s filing to the Philippine Stock Exchange.
Mr Gokongwei has been president and CEO of Robinsons Land since January 8, 2024. He will continue to serve as the firm’s executive chairman, “providing strategic guidance to the company”, according to the announcement.
Robinsons Land’s board thanked Mr Gokongwei for his leadership during his time in office. “Under his stewardship, Robinsons Land solidified its position as a leading player in the real estate industry”, it stated.
Ms Aragon-GoBio is described as having “over 30 years of experience” in the real estate industry. She joined Robinsons Land in 1993 and “has held significant leadership roles across logistics, residential and office developments, and mixed-use estates,” according to Monday’s update.
The firm’s board said in prepared remarks: “Ms. Aragon-GoBio brings with her a wealth of experience, deep industry expertise, and a forward-thinking vision that will drive Robinsons Land Corp into a new chapter of growth and innovation”.
NUSTAR Resort & Casino, which launched in May 2022, is to open a high-end new hotel under the 'NUSTAR' brand.
The new hotel is part of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, a subsidiary of the group, which plans to invest over PHP10 billion (approximately US$171.5 million) in the coming years to transform the hospitality landscape in the Philippines.
The NUSTAR Hotel Cebu features 223 rooms, complementing the 379 rooms already available under the 'Fili' hotel brand. By early 2027, a third hotel under the 'Grand Summit' brand is expected to increase the complex's total room capacity to 985.