Cebuana Lhuillier President & CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier, Senior Executive Vice President Philippe Andre Lhuillier, First Vice President and Group Head for Corporate Services Jo-Ann Tacorda, and Vice President and Head of HR Center of Expertise Division (HRCE) Maria Veronica “Baby” Valientes, with participants of the PJ Lhuillier Leadership Summit 2025—focused on developing future-ready leaders by sharpening self-awareness, sparking innovation, and building strategic foresight.
PJ Lhuillier, Inc. (PJLI), the powerhouse behind Cebuana Lhuillier, has doubled down on its vision of future-ready leadership with the successful staging of the 2025 PJL Leadership Summit.
Held in two dynamic batches and gathering over 300 leaders from across the country, the summit was more than just a corporate event—it was a masterclass in strategic foresight, leadership clarity, and a culture of innovation. All of which, according to PJLI, are vital to driving inclusive growth in a fast-changing world.
“We are empowering our leaders not just to adapt to the future, but to shape it,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier. “By strengthening leadership from the inside out, we can continue building a company that delivers inclusive financial solutions to more Filipinos nationwide.”
Ambassador Philippe Jones Lhuillier, Chairman and Founder, shared a more personal reflection: “Leadership is about making decisions that uplift people. If those decisions lead to growth, purpose, and happiness—then you’re leading right.”
Carrying the theme “Business Beyond PJ Lhuillier: Empowering Leaders for Tomorrow, Today,” the summit blended immersive learning with real-world insights to inspire leaders to drive innovation, strengthen collaboration, and create meaningful impact.
Two Batches, One Shared Purpose
Batch 1 kicked off with keynote speaker Anthony Pangilinan, CEO of BusinessWorks and renowned personal development expert, who encouraged unity and a deeper appreciation of PJLI’s journey—setting the tone for reflection and team alignment.
Batch 2 was headlined by Tony Lambino, President and Trustee of Ayala Foundation, who highlighted that true leadership shines in uncertain times—staying anchored in purpose while boldly navigating change.
Inspiring Minds and Powerful Stories
The plenary stage featured notable industry figures across both batches. Paco Magsaysay, Founder of Carmen’s Best Ice Cream, shared how he transformed legacy into forward-thinking innovation. JV Wong, Chief Executive Igniter of People Ignite, tackled the importance of humanized communication in an increasingly digital world.
In Batch 1, Huawei CTO Arnie Alvarez spoke on empowering high-performing teams, while in Batch 2, Salesforce Regional VP Abe Cuevas explored strategies for enabling excellence in a competitive market.
Breakout sessions with leadership coaches Mondo Castro, Frances Acu, and Bryl Zenarosa dug deep into personal growth, team culture, and decision-making in the age of AI. Day 2 saw leaders rolling up their sleeves for the “Synergy Sprint” team challenge and “PJL Breakthrough Lab,” both designed for real-world problem solving and collaboration.
Leading with Heart and Purpose
“The summit is a powerful reminder that when we invest in people, we invest in the future of our company,” said Jo-Ann Tacorda, First Vice President and Group Head for Corporate Services. “It’s about leading with purpose, building with heart, and transforming with courage.”
To close, the high-energy “Balloon Frenzy” celebration captured the spirit of unity and adaptability the summit championed. Hosting duties were handled by Boris Joaquin, CEO of Breakthrough Leadership, alongside learning strategist Brian Sese. Gerry Plana, Chief Executive of Investors in People PH, tied everything together with a rousing call to action—challenging leaders to turn insights into impact and champion a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and forward-thinking leadership at every level.
With the 2025 PJL Leadership Summit, PJ Lhuillier proved once again that building the future starts with building leaders.
