Megaworld taps Javier Hernandez to lead major mall expansion drive

Insider Spotlight

• Javier Hernandez takes over Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, succeeding Graham Coates after eight years.
• Megaworld aims to reach 1 million square meters of retail gross leasable area by 2030.
• The property giant plans to break ground on malls in Cavite, Rizal, Pampanga, and Bacolod City.

Property giant Megaworld Corp. has appointed Javier Hernandez as the new head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, tasking the seasoned property executive with steering an ambitious expansion that will bring its retail portfolio to 1 million square meters of gross leasable area (GLA) by 2030.

Hernandez succeeds Graham Coates, who led the company's lifestyle mall business for eight years, overseeing its expansion, pandemic recovery, and introduction of new retail and entertainment concepts.

What's next

Megaworld plans to develop new lifestyle malls, expand existing properties, and introduce innovative retail and commercial formats across its integrated townships nationwide.

The company expects to break ground on new malls in Cavite, Rizal, Pampanga, and Bacolod City between 2026 and 2027, strengthening its presence in emerging retail markets.

Javier Hernandez

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls' new head is tasked with growing the business to one million square meters of leasable area.

Leadership transition

Hernandez brings more than three decades of experience in property development, retail, hospitality, and tourism, including approximately 20 years in the shopping mall industry.

Alliance Global Group president and CEO Kevin Tan welcomed Hernandez's appointment, highlighting opportunities to introduce international brands while supporting Filipino retailers.

“We are very pleased to welcome Javi to the team. He already has a number of exciting ideas and plans in the pipeline, and we look forward to seeing those take shape as he leads Megaworld Lifestyle Malls into its next chapter,” Tan said.

Why it matters

Hernandez inherits a nationwide portfolio of 27 lifestyle malls as Megaworld seeks to strengthen its retail destinations and capitalize on the continued development of its townships.

Under Coates, the company expanded through projects including Lucky Chinatown's Imperial Wing, The Shoppes at McKinley West, and the redevelopment of Eastwood Mall.

His tenure also saw Tesla establish its Philippine presence at Uptown Bonifacio, alongside the expansion of international retailers KKV and Nitori.

The bigger picture

Hernandez's mandate extends beyond adding retail space, emphasizing customer experience, stronger tenant partnerships, and new commercial concepts.

“As we work toward our target, our focus will be on growing the business responsibly while continuing to strengthen our existing destinations,” Hernandez said.

The leadership transition positions Megaworld for its next phase of retail growth as it works toward its 2030 expansion target.

— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas