In memoriam: Oscar Reyes, a visionary and prudent leader
Oscar Reyes, a veteran in the Philippine power sector who led the growth of major firms, died at the age of 79.
The local energy sector is grieving the loss of Reyes, whose decades-long service helped shape the growth of the market.
The country’s biggest power distributor, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), highlights Reyes’ “steadfast and humble leadership” in driving efforts to expand electricity access to every home, even beyond the group’s franchise area.
Reyes served as Meralco’s president and chief executive officer from 2012 to 2019.
“With strategic foresight and prudence, he guided Meralco, laid the groundwork for modernization while ensuring regulatory compliance, operational integrity and execution excellence,” Meralco says.
“True to his philosophy of sweating the assets, he maximized value for customers and stakeholders alike,” it adds.
Shell Pilipinas likewise expresses its grief, saying Reyes will be remembered for his “lasting impact through his visionary leadership.”
He was the country chair of Shell companies in the Philippines and president of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. from 1997 to 2001.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May we honor his remarkable legacy and be inspired by the life he lived,” the firm says.
Before Reyes’ death, he also served on the board of several companies.
Reyes received his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the Ateneo de Manila University. He also had a diploma in business administration and a certificate in export promotion from the Waterloo Lutheran University and a master’s degree in business administration program from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.
