Insider Spotlight
The leadership changes took effect on Jan. 1, 2026, according to an Esquire Philippines report.
Gokongwei-Cheng, who founded Summit Media in 1995 and has served as its president and CEO, will step back from day-to-day operations to focus on governance and long-term strategy.
Go, previously the company’s chief operating officer, will take over operational leadership.
In the article, Gokongwei-Cheng said she is “very excited about the direction that Howard and his team will take the company,” citing plans to expand Summit Media’s outside-of-home footprint while increasing digital offerings across more channels and formats to grow audience reach.
Why it matters
The move underscores continuity rather than disruption at a time when media companies are under pressure to grow audiences, diversify revenue, and stay relevant in an increasingly fragmented digital landscape.
Go echoed that focus in the same report, saying he looks forward to continuing to expand the business, executing necessary pivots, and forging new partnerships to strengthen and scale Summit Media’s business pillars.
The big picture
Summit Media began as a print magazine publisher and has since evolved into a digital-first lifestyle media network, with brands spanning entertainment, parenting, fashion, sports, and news, alongside businesses in out-of-home advertising and book publishing.
What to watch
Under Go’s leadership, Summit Media is expected to deepen its digital growth strategy and explore new commercial opportunities, while Gokongwei-Cheng’s appointment as chair provides strategic continuity at the board level.
Bottom line
Summit Media’s leadership transition reflects how legacy media companies are balancing founder vision with execution as they adapt to a digital-first media landscape. —Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
