ALI’s long-time finance exec retires

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January 7, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — A multi-awarded, long-time Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) finance executive has retired after more than two decades of helping strengthen the company’s fiscal position to overcome some of the toughest times.

ALI yesterday announced the retirement of senior vice president Augusto Bengzon, who is also a member of the management committee, after 20 years of serving the company.

Bengzon joined ALI in December 2004, and has since held several roles, including chief finance officer until August 2025.

Under Bengzon’s leadership, ALI developed its capital position by diversifying the asset classes in its portfolio. He also led ALI through the pandemic, the most difficult period for the property sector in recent history when demand for real estate dried up.

Bengzon is credited for multiple firsts in ALI’s history, such as the real estate investment trust in AREIT Inc. He also steered the first sustainability-linked financing for the company.

In his 21-year stint with ALI, Bengzon earned the respect of his peers, winning him accolades on corporate governance and financial excellence, with 2019 his best year as an executive.

In 2019, Bengzon was recognized as Asia’s Best CFO by the Corporate Treasurer Awards and as ING FINEX CFO of the Year, the country’s longest-running award for financial stewards.

Last year, Bengzon was chosen as the Best CFO for Corporates in Southeast Asia by FinanceAsia after securing the most number of votes from his industry associates.

Bengzon — known to his industry peers as Toti — also led the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines in 2024. During his FINEX presidency, Bengzon focused on the urgency of incorporating sustainability, diversity and digitalization to drive corporate growth.

In August 2025, Bengzon vacated his role as chief finance officer and was succeeded by veteran banker Jose Eduardo Quimpo III, who was president and CEO of AREIT prior to promotion.

Vice presidents Jennylle Tupaz, Carol Mills, Ferdie Mangali and Jose Platero Jr. also retired from the company along with Bengzon.

ALI signaled a new phase in its corporate story when it sold its 50-percent ownership in Alabang Town Center in December 2025 to raise P13.5 billion for the development of future projects.