BIZ BUZZ: Ayala Land gets another Zobel in the mix

Another Zobel is stepping into the spotlight.

Ayala Corp. has moved Jaime Zobel Urquijo, 37, into real estate flagship Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), adding yet another next-generation member of the clan into the group’s key businesses.

Urquijo—son of Bea Zobel Jr.—has been seconded to ALI as head of urban estates, where he is expected to help steer the continued development of the group’s Metro Manila portfolio.

He now joins a growing roster of young Zobels inside ALI, including sister Paloma and cousin Mariana Zobel de Ayala, signaling how the family is steadily building its next line of leaders within the property giant.

The move also places Urquijo at the center of one of Ayala’s most visible platforms, where sustainability and long-term urban planning are becoming bigger priorities.

At the same time, Ayala is not just leaning on its family bench.

The conglomerate also expanded the role of Paolo Maximo F. Borromeo, who will serve as chief social infrastructure officer while continuing as president and CEO of its healthcare arm—highlighting the group’s push to scale businesses tied to healthcare, education and community development.

Together, the appointments show a dual-track approach: grooming the next generation while relying on seasoned professionals to execute.