Ramon See Ang, better known as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of San Miguel Corporation, is widely regarded as one of Asia’s most influential corporate leaders. His leadership has overseen remarkable growth for the company since he became vice-chairman in 1999 and later Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2002. However, Ang’s legacy is most closely associated with his tenure as CEO and President, where he earned the reputation of being the “infrastructure man” for leading significant infrastructure projects in the Philippines. Under his guidance, San Miguel Corporation not only expanded its business reach but also played a vital role in aiding the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company’s impressive growth has been evident, with net revenues increasing from 672 billion pesos in 2015 to over 1.4 trillion pesos in recent years.
While Ang is now one of the most recognized corporate leaders in the region, understanding how he achieved this status requires delving into his early career and rise within San Miguel Corporation. He first appeared on the board of directors in 1999 at the age of 43. At that time, many considered him merely the executive assistant of Danding Cojuangco, the company’s then-chairman, and close friend to Cojuangco’s son. Ang had no prior business affiliations listed in the company’s annual report, but Cojuangco praised his successful management of a cement-manufacturing firm. As vice-chairman, Ang quickly became the key figure running San Miguel’s day-to-day operations.
By 1999, Ramon Ang was already wealthy, with an estimated net worth of $250 million, largely from his ventures in heavy equipment importation and real estate. His wealth and business acumen positioned him as a strategic force within San Miguel, and by the dawn of the 21st century, Ang was already plotting the company’s future. In 2000, he was involved in efforts to secure investors for a 30 billion peso reclamation project along Roxas Boulevard, although the project faced legal challenges. In the early 2000s, San Miguel Corporation was also navigating political tensions, with fears that government actions might force Cojuangco and Ang to step down. Fortunately for the company, these fears were not realized, and in 2002, Ang was formally appointed President of San Miguel.
Ang’s leadership style was not merely focused on managing day-to-day operations but also on driving San Miguel’s expansion through acquisitions and the establishment of new facilities. A key example was the 2003 announcement of a 2 billion peso bottling plant for Ginebra San Miguel in Batangas. Ang also directed San Miguel’s efforts toward international growth, targeting Southeast Asia as a key market. The company’s expansion efforts included a production facility in Malaysia in 2004, designed to serve both the Malaysian and Singaporean markets. Around the same time, Japanese conglomerate Kirin Beverages acquired a 15 percent stake in San Miguel, a move seen as beneficial for both the company and the broader Philippine economy.
By 2005, San Miguel Corporation’s revenue had surged to 174 billion pesos, and the company was setting its sights on reaching 300 billion pesos. A major factor in this growth was Ang’s leadership in acquiring National Foods, an Australian food and beverage giant, for 1.8 billion US dollars. Although Ang initially considered selling a portion of the company to reduce costs, San Miguel instead sold the entire business to Kirin for 3.1 billion US dollars, netting a significant profit in just two years. During its brief ownership, National Foods contributed substantial profits to San Miguel.
The years 2007 and 2008 were challenging globally due to the financial recession, but San Miguel continued to grow through strategic mergers and acquisitions. One of the key moves during this time was the spinoff of San Miguel Brewery, and the acquisition of Bank of Commerce, which marked the company’s entry into the banking sector. Despite the economic downturn, San Miguel thrived, thanks to Ang’s bold decision-making. By 2009, Ramon Ang, then 53 years old, hinted at retirement, stating that he had always planned to stop working at age 55. However, despite these intentions, Ang did not retire and continued leading San Miguel through one of its most significant periods of expansion.
In 2011, Ang announced a 10 billion US dollar mergers and acquisitions spree, which included the purchase of Philippine Airlines. That year also saw Kirin Holdings sell its stake in San Miguel, and under Ang’s leadership, the company entered the infrastructure business. Ang’s most notable move came in 2012 when he personally acquired an 11 percent stake in San Miguel, marking a pivotal moment in his career. This purchase solidified his control over the company, transitioning him from a mere leader to a significant shareholder.
As time went on, Ang’s influence over San Miguel continued to grow. Through his company, Top Frontier Investment Holdings, which he co-owns with Iñigo Zobel, he now controls 61.78 percent of San Miguel. Ramon Ang’s journey from a relatively unknown businessman to the head of one of Asia’s largest conglomerates is a testament to his vision, leadership, and ability to navigate complex business challenges.
Ramon Ang’s story is one of resilience and strategic growth, and his leadership has left an indelible mark on San Miguel Corporation’s history. His ability to adapt and lead through challenging times, coupled with his focus on expansion and acquisitions, has positioned San Miguel as a formidable player not only in the Philippines but across Asia.
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