Robinsons Retail Holdings is transitioning to a new era with the appointment of a new President and CEO.

The board of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. has appointed Stanley C. Co as President and CEO effective January 1, 2025, the company said in a statement.

Co has been with Robinsons Retail for 21 years, joining the company’s DIY Segment as Division Merchandise Manager in 2003 and appointed its Group General Manager in 2008. He was appointed Managing Director of the Food Segment on September 1, 2020, and COO of Robinsons Retail on August 1, 2023. 

Robina Gokongwei-Pe, who was first appointed President and COO in 1997 and who has been President and CEO since 2018, will transition to the role of Chairman. She will replace Lance Y. Gokongwei, who will step down as Chairman and member of the board to assume the role of Board Adviser. 

Further, James L. Go will remain as Vice Chairman, while incoming President and CEO Co will join the board of directors.

‘A New, Dynamic Chapter’

“Leading Robinsons Retail into a new, dynamic chapter is a tremendous honor and responsibility. I hope to continue building on our strong foundation as a trusted partner of choice as we unlock a future brimming with exciting possibilities and joyful shopping experiences,” Co said.

“With Stanley at the helm, drawing on his years of extensive experience and service to the Company, I am confident that Robinsons Retail will continue to deliver long-term value for our customers, partners, and the communities we serve. I would also like to thank Lance for his sterling example as Chairman, and I hope to fulfill his role as well as he has,” Gokongwei-Pe said. 

“A commitment to continuous improvement and a dynamism to embrace change are key attributes of a good leader. Stanley embodies these qualities and his vision for Robinsons Retail aligns perfectly with the Company’s long-term goals. We, the Board of Directors, have no doubt that Stanley will usher in sustained growth and innovation for the Company. We thank Robina for her years of service as President and CEO, and look forward to her continued guidance as Chairman,” Gokongwei said.

Co earned a bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Santo Tomas in 1998 and an MBA from De La Salle University in 2003. 

The retail giant has seen its earnings soar in the first quarter, posting net income of PHP 5.2 billion for the first quarter, up 663% year over year. The company reiterated that the increase was the result of a one-time gain from the completion of the merger of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Robinsons Bank Corporation (RBC).

Robinsons Retail reported first-quarter core net earnings, which excluded the one-time gain from the merger, among other items, of PHP 1.2 billion for the quarter, up 8.5% year over year.