Kevin Tan visits UA&P to explore collaborations for strategic expansion

1st row, L-R: Kevin Tan (CEO, Alliance Global Group, Inc.), Dr. Bernardo Villegas (Center for Research and Communication), Amb. Jose Cuisia (Chairman, UA&P Board of Trustees). 2nd row, L-R: Greg Mabbagu (Coordinator, Entrepreneurial Management Program), Atty. Joyce Chan-Mabanta, Dr. Gladys Golo (VP for Academic and Faculty Affairs), Mrs. Aurea Cruz (VP for Finance and Administration), Dr. Imelda Estillore (Managing Director, Fund Development Office), and Valerie Bringas (Staff, Fund Development Office).

Mr. Kevin L. Tan, President and CEO of Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI), met with Amb. Jose L. Cuisia Jr., University of Asia & the Pacific Foundation Inc. (UA&PFI) Chairman; Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas, UA&PFI Trustee; and other university officials on March 24 to discuss potential areas of collaboration between UA&P and AGI’s diverse businesses.

Mr. Tan earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Management, from UA&P in 2001.

UA&P’s various offerings in the areas of executive and continuing education, research, and sustainability initiatives could address AGI’s broader strategic direction, which includes expansion beyond Metro Manila, strengthening tourism and hospitality, and advancing innovation and sustainability across its operations.

AGI’s local portfolio spans multiple sectors, including real estate through Megaworld Corporation, spirits via Emperador Inc., tourism and leisure through Travellers International, quick-service restaurants under Golden Arches Development Corporation, and infrastructure investments through Infracorp Development Inc.  

In terms of foreign portfolio, AGI’s international footprint is concentrated in the distilled spirits industry, following a series of strategic acquisitions between 2013 and 2017. In the United Kingdom (Scotland), it owns Whyte & Mackay, a major Scotch whisky manufacturer and currently the 5th largest in the world; Invergordon Distillery; and The Dalmore Distillery. In Spain, it owns Bodegas Fundador, the oldest brandy and sherry bodegas in Jerez, including the first brandy brand in Spain. In Mexico, it operates Pedro Domecq and owns a majority stake in Los Danzantes, entering the ultra-premium mezcal market. 

The visit allowed Mr. Tan and the UA&P leadership to explore new opportunities for strengthening the conglomerate’s existing operations and identifying new prospects for business expansion. It also highlighted UA&P’s commitment to supporting business leaders in their continuous efforts to spur economic development in and beyond the Philippines.