Zobel lone Filipino in inaugural list of Top 50 Thought Leaders   

EXEMPLARY Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala is seen to lead Ayala Corp. toward long-term sustainability. —AYALA CORP.

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chair of the country’s oldest conglomerate, was recognized as the lone Filipino business leader in London-based Thinkers50’s inaugural Leaders50 list for spearheading “inspiring purposeful action” and steering Ayala Corp. into the diversified, multibillion-peso company it is today.

Thinkers50 lauded Zobel, chair of the 190-year-old Ayala, for growing his family’s business into a “model of corporate responsibility and innovation” with diverse investments in real estate, telecommunications, banking, energy, infrastructure, health care and education.

Founded by business writers and commentators in 2001, Thinkers50 is a global organization that ranks 50 of the world’s “most influential thinkers” annually.

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The 65-year-old tycoon dedicated the recognition to Ayala’s employees, “whose unwavering support and commitment enable us to build businesses that help people thrive.”

“I also share this achievement with our partners and stakeholders, who share our purpose and vision, working closely with us to foster communities and, ultimately, a country where more people can thrive,” Zobel, also known as “Jaza,” said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

Zobel succeeded his father, Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala, who stepped down in 1994.

Zobel led the conglomerate through crucial business ventures, such as growing energy platform ACEN Corp. into one of Southeast Asia’s largest renewable energy firms.

”Jaime’s leadership style prioritizes decentralization and empowerment, fostering a culture of collaboration and responsibility within Ayala,” Thinkers50 said in a statement. “His approach has enabled the corporation to navigate complex business landscapes while maintaining a focus on long-term sustainability.”

He joins 49 other business leaders across the globe, including technology giant Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella, luxury fashion house Chanel’s CEO Leena Nair, and graphic design platform Canva’s CEO Melanie Perkins.

“Leaders50 shines a light on some exceptional leaders in the hope that others may learn from them,” Thinkers50 founder Stuart Crainer said.

Ayala, whose market capitalization stands at P381.64 billion, saw its net income inch up by 5 percent to P34 billion in the first nine months of the year, buoyed by gains from Bank of the Philippine Islands.

Revenues went up by 9 percent to P268.45 billion.