John Gokongwei, Jr.

$5.10 B

Ranked #343 in World

About John Gokongwei, Jr.

John Gokongwei Jr., a distinguished Filipino banker, businessman, investor, and philanthropist, left an indelible mark on the finance world. Starting from humble beginnings after his family's fortune was lost post-World War II, Gokongwei built a business empire, founding significant companies such as Universal Robina Corporation and Cebu Pacific Air. A graduate of De La Salle University and an attendee of Harvard's advanced management program, he successfully incorporated JG Summit Holdings into a powerhouse, influencing sectors from aviation to retail with ventures like Robinsons Retail Holdings. Critically acclaimed for his philanthropic efforts, Gokongwei contributed significantly to education, and was lauded by Forbes Asia for his contributions. He passed away on November 9, 2019, leaving behind a legacy controlled by his children, and a conglomerate worth over $20 billion. His journey from adversity to prosperity embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship, solidifying his status as a leader in Philippine business.

Born

August 11, 1926 in Xiamen, Fujian, Republic of China

Died

November 09, 2019 (aged 93)

Source Of Wealth

Diversified

Industries

Diversified

Citizenship

Philippines

Spouse

Elizabeth Yu (Married: 1958)

Children

6, including Lance Gokongwei

John Gokongwei Jr., a prominent Filipino banker, businessman, investor, and philanthropist, was born on August 15, 1926, in Xiamen, China. His parents were John Gokongwei Sr., a successful businessman, and Juanita Márquez Lim. Gokongwei Jr. spent his early years in China before moving to the Philippines with his family.

John Gokongwei, Jr.: Family

Gokongwei Jr. came from a close-knit family. His father, John Gokongwei Sr., was a respected businessman who instilled in him the values of hard work and entrepreneurship. His mother, Juanita Márquez Lim, provided a nurturing and supportive environment for the family. Gokongwei Jr. had several siblings, including James, who also became a successful businessman.

John Gokongwei, Jr.: Career Highlights

Gokongwei Jr.'s career was marked by numerous achievements and milestones. He started his entrepreneurial journey by establishing Amasia Trading, a company that imported goods from the United States. Later, he founded Universal Corn Products, which eventually became Universal Robina Corporation, one of the largest food and beverage companies in the Philippines. Gokongwei Jr. also established Consolidated Food Corporation, which later became CFC Corporation, a leading food and beverage conglomerate.

John Gokongwei, Jr.: Companies

Gokongwei Jr. was the founder and chairman of several prominent companies in the Philippines. These companies included Universal Robina Corporation, Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc., Robinsons Land Corporation, and Cebu Pacific Air. Under his leadership, these companies grew and expanded, contributing significantly to the Philippine economy.

John Gokongwei, Jr.: Major Achievements

Gokongwei Jr. achieved remarkable success in various fields. He was instrumental in the growth and development of the Philippine food and beverage industry, transforming Universal Robina Corporation into a multinational conglomerate. He also played a pivotal role in the aviation industry, establishing Cebu Pacific Air and overseeing its major refleeting with Airbus aircraft.

John Gokongwei, Jr.: Awards & Achievements

Gokongwei Jr. received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to business and philanthropy. He was included in Forbes Asia magazine's first Heroes of Philanthropy list.

In addition, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit by the Philippine government and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

John Gokongwei, Jr.: Personal Life & Legacy

Gokongwei Jr. was married to Elizabeth Yu in 1958, and they had six children together. His children, Lance, Robina, Lisa, Faith, Hope, and Marcia, all play active roles in the Gokongwei group of companies. Gokongwei Jr. was known for his dedication to his family and his commitment to philanthropy. He passed away in Manila on November 9, 2019, at the age of 93, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.

John Gokongwei, Jr.: Trivia

Gokongwei Jr. had a passion for golf and was known to be a skilled player. He also enjoyed traveling and exploring different cultures. Despite his immense wealth and success, he remained humble and down-to-earth, earning the respect and admiration of many.

Wealth History

Timeline

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John Gokongwei Jr. was born in China to John Gokongwei Sr. and Juanita Márquez Lim.

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Attended University of San Carlos for primary and high school.

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Family fortune lost after father's death and World War II.

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Started Amasia Trading, importing goods from the US.

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Established Universal Corn Products (later Universal Robina Corporation).

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Launched Consolidated Food Corporation (later CFC Corporation).

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Earned MBA from De La Salle University and attended Harvard advanced management program.

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Incorporated JG Summit Holdings as a publicly listed holding company.

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Founded Cebu Pacific Air and underwent major refleeting with Airbus.

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Acquired stake in Meralco, Philippines's largest power distributor.

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Universal Robina acquired Griffin's Foods from Pacific Equity Partners.

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Attempted $1 billion corporate takeover of United Industrial Corporation Ltd (UIC) in Singapore.

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Owned Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. and Robinsons Land Corporation.

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Gokongwei family controls over $20 billion of combined market capitalization.

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Included in Forbes Asia magazine's first Heroes of Philanthropy list.

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Biography, "John L. Gokongwei Jr.: The Path of Entrepreneurship," launched at Ateneo de Manila University.

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Donated to various educational institutions.

1958

Married Elizabeth Yu and had six children.

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Children play active roles in the Gokongwei group.

2019-11-09

Died in Manila at the age of 93.

John Gokongwei, Jr. : FAQs

What is John Gokongwei, Jr.'s net worth?

As of 2019, John Gokongwei, Jr.'s net worth was $5.10 billion.

What are John Gokongwei, Jr.'s main sources of wealth?

John Gokongwei, Jr.'s main source of income comes from Diversified.

In which industry does John Gokongwei, Jr. primarily operate?

John Gokongwei, Jr. is primarily involved in the Diversified industry.

Is John Gokongwei, Jr. dead?

Yes, John Gokongwei, Jr. died on November 09, 2019 (aged 93).

How many children does John Gokongwei, Jr. have?

John Gokongwei, Jr. has 6 children.

Who was John Gokongwei Jr. and what was his contribution to the Philippine economy?

John Gokongwei Jr. was a prominent Filipino banker, businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He established Universal Corn Products which later became Universal Robina Corporation, launched Consolidated Food Corporation (later CFC Corporation), and founded Cebu Pacific Air. He also incorporated JG Summit Holdings, significantly impacting the Philippine economy.

What early challenges did John Gokongwei Jr. face and how did he overcome them?

John Gokongwei Jr. faced significant challenges early on, including losing his family's fortune after his father's death and World War II. He overcame these by starting Amasia Trading, importing goods from the US, and later establishing successful companies such as Universal Robina Corporation.

How did John Gokongwei Jr. expand his business empire, and what are some key companies he owned?

John Gokongwei Jr. expanded his business empire through ventures like Cebu Pacific Air's major refleeting with Airbus, acquiring a stake in Meralco, buying Griffin's Foods, and attempting a corporate takeover of United Industrial Corporation Ltd in Singapore. He owned key companies like Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. and Robinsons Land Corporation.

What is the legacy of John Gokongwei Jr. in terms of philanthropy and family?

John Gokongwei Jr.'s legacy in philanthropy includes being named in Forbes Asia's first Heroes of Philanthropy list and donating to various educational institutions. His family, including his wife Elizabeth Yu and six children, continue to play active roles in the Gokongwei group, carrying on his legacy.

What were the significant milestones in John Gokongwei Jr.'s education and professional development?

Significant milestones in John Gokongwei Jr.'s life include attending the University of San Carlos for primary and high school education, earning an MBA from De La Salle University, and attending Harvard's advanced management program. These laid the foundation for his successful career as a businessman and philanthropist.