Ramon Ang’s Son Jacob is New President of BMW Philippines
SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation (SMCACD), the exclusive importer and distributor of BMW vehicles in the Philippines, formally appointed Jacob Ang as its new president, effective Monday (September 1). The 25-year-old Ang is taking over from Spencer Yu, who led the company for seven years, and who announced his resignation from the company recently. The change comes as the German luxury automotive market is eyeing electrification and premium mobility expansion.
Jacob Ang is the youngest son of Ramon S. Ang, chairman of SMCACD and of San Miguel Corp., one of the largest and most diversified conglomerates in the country.
“Jacob’s leadership and fresh perspective will help us further strengthen BMW’s presence in the Philippines,” said the company’s chairman Ramon S. Ang in a statement announcing the appointment. Jacob himself emphasized his commitment to “drive innovation in how we serve our customers and strengthen BMW’s position as the leader in premium mobility in the country.”
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Jacob’s journey into leadership is shaped by more than his bloodline and inheriting his father’s love for automobiles. (Ramon Ang is reputed to have one of the most extensive car collections this part of the world). In an exclusive cover profile on Esquire Philippines earlier this year, Jacob revealed how his youthful enthusiasm for motorsports matured into executive leadership. A former karting competitor, he credited his early exposure to racing, nurtured by his father, as the grounding that led him to key roles in both BMW and Ferrari Philippines, which is both under the SMC umbrella.
Luis Gono, Jacob Ang and Carlos Gono at the BMW M Series customer event
“Passion alone isn’t enough,” he said. “You also have to understand the business side. Like everyone else, I had to learn, and I’ve been fortunate to work with and learn from people across different areas of operations—finance, planning, sales, marketing, service, and more.
“Integrity is a given,” he added. But one principle I really live by is simple: treat people the way you’d want to be treated. Leadership, for me, is not about titles; it’s about respect, fairness, and making sure people feel valued for what they bring to the table.”
Jacob also said he champions open innovation. “When it comes to innovation, I think the key is staying open,” he said. “People need to know that their ideas matter, that they won’t be dismissed. I encourage discussions, new perspectives, and even a little pushback—because that’s how you move things forward.”
Reflecting on how to steer storied automotive names like BMW and Ferrari here in the Philippines, Jacob stressed a localized, experiential approach: “We put a lot of focus on creating experiences that go beyond just owning a car; exclusive events, deeper engagement with the enthusiast community, or personalized services. “Being part of BMW or Ferrari here is as special and rewarding as the brands themselves.”
As for his own identity and the weight of his surname, Jacob expressed humility but also wanted to contribute to the bigger goals of the company. “I’m still young… I don’t see making a name for myself as the goal. It’s really about contributing to the bigger vision (my father) set for San Miguel,” he said. “If there’s a challenge, I’d say it’s probably my age… But I believe passion, hard work, and real hands-on experience matter just as much as time.”
Jacob Ang with his father Ramon Ang
The decision to appoint Jacob comes at a critical moment for BMW Philippines, with growing competition for premium vehicles and rising interest in electrification. His hands-on experience across various SMC automotive units, as Chief Planning Officer at Velocita Motors (the country’s exclusive Ferrari importer), and his active role in BMW Philippines means he's no outsider. He’s already been shaping customer-focused innovations within the organization.
On Sunday, BMW Philippines held an event at Karrera Showroom in Alabang to introduce its BMW M3 and M5 high-performance sedans to VIP customers and friends of the brand. At the event, which Jacob attended, guests were reportedly already congratulating Ang on the new role. Among these was Carlos Gono, director of RSA-BMW’s nationwide dealership network, who welcomed the appointment.
“Jacob Ang’s leadership is exactly what BMW Philippines needs at this point in time—fresh, energetic, and dynamic,” Gono told Esquire Philippines. “I have full trust and confidence in him because I’ve personally seen how hands-on he is, whether in the showroom, the service bays, or during dealer meetings. What makes him stand out is that, despite his background, he remains very relatable to everyone in the company, regardless of rank or position. That kind of grounded leadership inspires people and builds genuine respect across the organization.”
