During his 84th birthday celebration at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel’s Isla Ballroom on Saturday, GMA chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon announced his retirement as the chief executive officer of the country’s leading networ.
Come January 1, 2024, Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., GMA president and COO, will succeed Gozon as CEO. Gozon will retain his position as the chairman of the board and adviser to the corporation.
Gozon, along with Gilberto M. Duavit, Sr., and Menardo R. Jimenez, played a pivotal role in reviving Republic Broadcasting System, Inc. (RBS) in 1975, the precursor of GMA. Despite initial challenges, the three made the company financially viable, including debt restructuring, equipment upgrades, and local show production.
GMA’s transformation into the top broadcast network in the Philippines began under Gozon’s leadership in 2000. The network reached milestones such as topping the Mega Manila program ratings in 2004, receiving the Asian Television’s Terrestrial Channel of the Year Award in 2005, and achieving a successful Initial Public Offering in 2007. By July 2011, GMA claimed the No. 1 spot in the entire Philippines.
Presently, GMA boasts a wide reach of over 73 million Filipinos with 106 TV stations and 21 radio stations across the nation. Recognized globally with awards like the George Foster Peabody Award, GMA has earned the distinction of being the most trusted news brand in the country. Additionally, GMA International connects with millions of Filipinos in over 100 countries.
Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., the incoming CEO, has been part of GMA since 1999 and has held various key positions, including executive vice president, chief operating officer, and president since 2010. He is also involved in several subsidiary companies and foundations under the GMA umbrella.
Joel Marcelo G. Jimenez, son of GMA founder Menardo R. Jimenez, will take on the role of chairman of the Network’s Executive Committee from January 1, 2024. Joel is currently the president and CEO of Menarco Holdings and the chief executive officer of Alta Productions Group, Inc.
