Jon Ramon Aboitiz passes away

MANILA, Philippines — Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV) chairman Jon Ramon Aboitiz passed away on Nov. 30, due to a lingering illness at the age of 70.

AEV president and chief executive officer Erramon Aboitiz said the business community had lost a valuable member.

“Jon will be profoundly missed as he was an inspiring leader, loving and lovable, and someone who easily connects with everyone around him. His passing is certainly a great loss, not only for the Aboitiz Group, but for Philippine business as well,” Aboitiz said in a statement.

Jon has served as AEV chairman since 2009. At the time of his death, he was also chairman of the privately-held Aboitiz & Co. Inc. (ACO) and chairman and CEO of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.

He began his career with the Aboitiz Group in 1970. He became president of Aboitiz Shipping Corp. in 1976 and was president and chief executive officer of AEV from 1994 to 2008. He was president of ACO from 1991 to 2008.

Jon is survived by his wife and three children.

AEV is the public holding company of the Aboitiz Group. The Cebu-based con-glomerate has major investments in power, banking and financial services, food, infrastructure and land.

As a conglomerate, AEV is recognized as one of the best-managed companies in the Philippines and in the region, consistently cited for its commitment to good corporate governance and corporate social responsibility.