Michael Sabado named new SGV chair and country managing partner

Insider Spotlight

• Michael Sabado will succeed Rossana Fajardo as SGV & Co.'s chairman and country managing partner effective November 3, 2026.
• Sabado brings more than three decades of experience, having joined the professional services firm in 1993.
• His priorities include strengthening client relationships, expanding collaboration across service lines and developing the firm's next generation of leaders.

SGV & Co., the Philippines' largest professional services firm, has named veteran assurance partner Michael Sabado as its next chairman and country managing partner, succeeding Rossana Fajardo effective November 3, 2026.

Sabado will assume leadership of the Philippine member firm of global professional services network Ernst & Young (EY), with a mandate to strengthen client relationships, improve collaboration across business units and accelerate talent development.

Three decades of experience

Sabado joined SGV in 1993 and has accumulated more than three decades of experience advising major Philippine corporations and multinational companies.

Before his appointment, he served as SGV's client relationship leader for core accounts, overseeing initiatives designed to deepen strategic partnerships, improve cross-service collaboration and support growth across key industries.

He also co-headed SGV's Japan Business Services, which supports Japanese investors and multinational organizations operating in the Philippines.

Michael Sabado

The new SGV chief has emphasized talent recruitment, employee retention and leadership succession.

Extensive corporate exposure

Throughout his career, Sabado has advised companies across several major industries, including automotive, real estate, manufacturing, insurance, construction, aviation, renewable energy and hospitality.

His work has covered financial reporting, corporate governance, business operations and growth strategies, providing experience across industries served by SGV.

His involvement with Japanese investors also positions him to strengthen relationships with an important segment of the country's foreign investment community.

Focus on leadership development

Beyond client engagements, Sabado has emphasized talent recruitment, employee retention and leadership succession.

SGV said his leadership approach focuses on accountability, integrity and collaboration, with an emphasis on developing professionals capable of sustaining the firm's growth.

A certified public accountant, Sabado holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in accounting from San Beda University.

His appointment comes as SGV seeks closer integration among its assurance, tax, consulting, strategy and transactions practices while strengthening its position in the Philippine professional services market.

As part of EY's global network, SGV operates within an organization providing professional services in more than 150 countries and territories.

— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas