MANILA, Philippines – Maria Cristina “Ginbee” Go, who has spent more than two decades building up the Bank of the Philippine Islands’ (BPI) consumer banking business, is set to become the next president and chief executive officer of the country’s oldest bank.
BPI announced on Thursday, October 22, that Go would succeed Jose Teodoro “TG” Limcaoco effective April 26, 2027, following the bank’s annual stockholders’ meeting and subject to necessary approvals.
Go, currently BPI’s executive vice president and head of consumer banking, is a 23-year veteran of the Ayala-led bank. She previously served as president of BPI Family Savings Bank, where she oversaw its transformation and eventual integration into BPI — a familiar career path, as Limcaoco likewise served as president of BPI Family Savings Bank before his eventual stint as head of BPI.
Before joining BPI, Go held leadership positions at Citibank, Ayala Land, and Procter & Gamble.
She is also a certified public accountant who graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines Diliman and topped the 1991 CPA Licensure Examination. She later earned her MBA with honors from Harvard Business School.
If you’ve ever walked into one of BPI’s newly revamped branches, with their sleeker, more modern interiors, Go has had a hand in what you see. As head of consumer banking, she has helped modernize the bank’s branch network, expand its retail banking business, and develop digital services, including tools powered by artificial intelligence.
Her focus on consumer banking was on display last August 1, on the bank’s 175th anniversary, when she joined Limcaoco at the launch of BPI’s revamped, Disney-themed Jumpstart savings account for children.
Speaking to Rappler on the sidelines, Go explained how the bank was trying to make financial literacy more accessible to young Filipinos.
“If we want to build a stronger and more resilient economy, we must cultivate the habit of saving early,” Go said.
Go will inherit a bank serving more than 19 million customers nationwide, following five years under Limcaoco, who took the helm in 2021 and oversaw BPI’s expansion in digital banking, financial inclusion, and sustainability.
Limcaoco will remain on BPI’s board of directors after stepping down as CEO and is expected to assume senior governance roles in other major Ayala Group companies.
“I am excited for the new prospects ahead under Ginbee’s stewardship. Amidst some volatility in the global and domestic environment, there are notable opportunities, particularly as the Filipino consumer sector grows, becomes more sophisticated, and seeks a trusted partner in achieving financial stability and success,” BPI chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala expressed confidence in Go’s leadership. – Rappler.com
