Alliance Global’s Andrew Tan steps down as CEO, gives way to son

Tycoon Andrew Tan has retired as CEO of conglomerate Alliance Global Group Inc. (AGI), passing on the responsibility of leading the property, gaming and globalizing consumer empire to his 38-year-old son, Kevin Tan.

Marking the changing of the guards at AGI, the succession will take effect on June 4. The elder Tan will remain chair of the conglomerate.

“Kevin’s vast exposure and professional experience in the various companies under Alliance Global Group for almost two decades brings him to the pedestal of this new leadership role,” Andrew Tan said.

The elder Tan has led AGI since 2006 when he gained control of the publicly listed holding firm that was previously controlled by businessman George Yang.

AGI is the parent firm of Megaworld Corp., integrated gaming developer Travellers International Hotel Group, global beverage-maker Emperador Inc. and Philippine McDonald’s master franchise-holder Golden Arches Development Corp.

Andrew, who graduated magna cum laude from the University of the East with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, once sold watches and appliances and walked to school instead of taking public transport to save money.

Megaworld experienced setbacks during the Asian currency crisis that peaked in 1997, but has since then recovered strongly to become one of the country’s leading property developers.

He pioneered the cyberpark model and became a key landlord to business process outsourcing firms.

Kevin, for his part, has served AGI as director since 2012. He has close to two decades of experience in retail leasing, marketing and operations. He has headed the commercial division of Megaworld, which markets and operates the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.

The younger Tan also leads AGI’s newly created unit Infracorp Development Inc., the group’s vehicle for infrastructure-building.

This unit recently bagged the original proponent status to build a P3-billion 2-kilometer “Skytrain” monorail that will link Fort Bonifacio and MRT Guadalupe Makati.

Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, majoring in management from the University of Asia and the Pacific.