Metrobank brought family business succession planning into focus at its recent NextGen Leadership Circle session, where discussions covered preparing successors, managing leadership changes, and keeping companies running across generations.
The session gathered younger members of business families for discussions with succession-planning specialist Kester Kua and Novellino’s father-and-son tandem, Vicente “Nonoy” Quimbo and Chris Quimbo. Speakers examined how successors can introduce changes while maintaining trust and defining their responsibilities within the business.
“Being part of the next generation is both a privilege and a responsibility. We inherit not only businesses, organizations and brands, but also values and relationships,” said Joey Mapa, head of Commercial Banking for Metro Manila at Metrobank, who shared his experience as a third-generation Metrobanker.
“Our role is not simply to preserve what we inherit. It is also to understand it, strengthen it, and adapt to a radically changing world,” he said.
Kua, founding partner of Sky Law Offices, said succession requires more than financial arrangements and legal structures. Families also need open communication, trust, and successors who are ready to lead.
He urged younger family members to learn business operations firsthand, seek guidance from experienced leaders, and earn confidence through their work. Family ownership alone, he said, does not establish leadership credibility.
“Credibility is a currency,” Kua told participants.
For successors proposing changes, he recommended starting with manageable projects backed by clear budgets, risk assessments, and honest reviews of results.
The Quimbos described how these principles apply at Novellino. Nearly three decades after founding the company, Nonoy continues to guide its vision, culture, and values, while Chris oversees the wine business.
Chris, who previously worked in the United States, said joining the family enterprise required adjusting his leadership approach, listening to his father’s experience, and gradually building credibility.
Their transition involved setting clear responsibilities and maintaining communication when they disagreed over business decisions. Chris also emphasized separating their roles as family members, shareholders, and employees when discussing company matters.
Nonoy said the wine business has more than doubled since Chris joined. The family continues to base decisions on its shared purpose of helping more Filipinos discover and appreciate wine.
The NextGen Leadership Circle forms part of Metrobank’s leadership engagement initiatives, which began in 2019. It gives younger business leaders opportunities to learn from entrepreneurs and professionals and exchange perspectives with peers.
The discussions covered connected family business concerns, including business continuity, financial resources, wealth preservation, and preparing future leaders.