Citi alumni honor banking leaders Go and Acevedo

Insider Spotlight

• Nearly 280 Citi veterans reunited to celebrate two industry icons
• William Go recognized for leadership excellence
• Eugene Acevedo honored for network development and talent mentorship
  

Around 280 Citi alumni in the Philippines gathered to honor two respected figures in the country’s financial sector, celebrating the achievements of William Go and Eugene Acevedo, both regarded as transformative leaders whose Citi experience helped shape their careers and influence the broader banking landscape.

Go, founder of Chinatrust Philippines and current vice chair of CTBC Bank Philippines, received the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award for Leadership. Acevedo, former president and CEO of RCBC and a well-known leadership mentor, was given the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award for Network Development.

Why it matters

The awards highlight the long-standing impact of Citi alumni across the Philippine banking industry, many of whom have taken on leadership roles in major financial institutions. Their careers exemplify the depth of talent developed within the Citi network.

The honorees

Acevedo built a career marked by senior executive roles across multiple banks. Beyond his early Citi experience, he led the Philippine National Bank as president and CEO before joining UnionBank of the Philippines in 2011 as senior executive vice president and later becoming chairman of its thrift subsidiary, CitySavings, in 2013. 

He then moved to Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., serving as president and CEO starting 2019 and retiring in June 2025. Colleagues credit him for championing leadership development and fostering a strong culture rooted in the Citi ethos.

Go, known throughout the industry for his integrity and strategic foresight, carved a path that positioned him as one of the country’s notable banking leaders. He held key management positions at China Banking Corp. and later became president of Philippine Bank of Communications from 1985 to 1995. 

That same year, he founded Access Banking Corp., which evolved into Chinatrust Philippines Commercial Bank, now CTBC Bank Philippines. Serving as its first president, Go helped establish the bank as a resilient and trusted institution. He has been vice chair of CTBC Bank Philippines since October 2001.

What they’re saying

In his welcome remarks, Citi Philippines CEO and banking head Paul Favila praised the two honorees and reflected on the meaning of the gathering. 

“In this industry, we often measure success through performance and results. But this event reminds us each year that the real strength of the firm is its people, the ‘Citibankers’ – it’s the lessons learned, values shared and shaped, and the impact we carry forward throughout our careers.” — Ramon C. Nocon | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma