Looking Good: Fernando Zobel De Ayala Makes an Appearance at Watch Talk in BGC

Fernando Zobel De Ayala made a rare public appearance over the weekend during a talk about timepieces at Seven Neo Building in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. The talk was part of a activity held at BGC’s Cars and Art Festival, an annual charity fundraising event showcasing some of the best privately owned classic and current model sportscars in the country. 

The sixtysomething businessman looked visibly refreshed and seemed to look more fit than ever. The last time this writer saw him in person was at Ayala Corporation’s thanksgiving event back in 2019.

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Zobel De Ayala stayed for close to an hour and listened attentively to watch expert and magazine editor editor Carl Cunanan, whose talked centered around luxury timepieces and their relationship to sportscar brands. The tycoon even took time to chat with some friends after the event and agreed to take a photo with us. 

Fernando is celebrating his birthday on March 14.   

Fernando Zobel De Ayala poses for a photo with the author (foreground) and guests at the watch talk in BGC

Photo by Alvin Uy.

In August 2022, Zobel De Ayala, who was Ayala Corporation’s Vice Chairman and CEO, took a medical leave of absence. No further details were disclosed on the medical situation of the 62 year old billionaire-sportsman-triathlete but there was much speculation about his condition.

The younger brother of Jaime August Zobel de Ayala took over as CEO of Ayala Corporation (link here) effective April 2021, but relinquished this role, as well as other key executive roles within the conglomerate after his medical leave was announced. 

The two brothers have been involved in various leadership roles within the Ayala organization since the 1990s, taking over from their father Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala, who retired in 2006.

Ayala Corporation, formerly Ayala y Compañía, was founded by their ancestor Domingo Róxas and Antonio de Ayala in 1834. The 187-year-old company is the country's oldest and largest conglomerate, with interests in real estate, finance, telecommunications, utilities, automotive and healthcare.

At the time of Fernando Zobel De Ayala’s announcement of his medical leave, the conglomerate held a special meeting and elected Cezar Consing as acting president and CEO. Consing has been a longtime executive at Ayala Corp., and served as a director at Ayala Corporation, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Globe Telecom, Inc. and ACEN Corporation. 

Fernando’s brother Jaime Augusto also issued a statement saying, "I want to assure everyone that Fernando is in high spirits, but he has asked for some time to focus on his health and recovery," he said on Facebook. “We all have so many responsibilities and commitments in all aspects of our lives, but first and foremost, we should all prioritize our health and well-being. As a family we're fully supportive of Fernando's decision to take a leave so he can do whatever is necessary to rebuild his strength.”

Earlier in February, Fernando again made news when energy company Pilipinas Shell announced that he was returning to serve as an independent director as well as chair of the company’s corporate governance committee. He also made an appearance during the contract signing between Ayala Land’s and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The company’s Samsung Performing Arts Theater will serve as a temporary venue while the CCP is undergoing extensive renovation work until 2025.