Constantino—known within the group by his initials FKC—will remain an advisor and director of SMC, a trillion-peso revenue conglomerate with a portfolio that spans food, drinks, energy, and infrastructure.
“We thank FKC for his contribution to the company as CFO,” Ang, the billionaire chair and CEO of SMC, told InsiderPH in a text message.
In line with the company’s succession plan, SMC appointed Bryan U. Villanueva as the new chief finance officer and Joseph N. Pineda as treasurer during its Jan. 16, 2025 meeting.
Longest-serving employee
Constantino left his role at the National Economic and Development Authority and joined San Miguel Corporation in 1974 after completing his master’s degree in economics.
He immersed himself in various planning and marketing roles within the company, which at the time was focused on food and beverages.
Eventually, he decided to hone his skills in finance, working his way up to his appointment as chief financial officer of San Miguel Beer in 1999, and later concurrently serving as CFO and treasurer of SMC in 2001.
Years later, as SMC diversified into energy and infrastructure, Constantino played a key role in guiding its financial strategy.
Good for stakeholders, the country
Constantino said on Thursday that he is eager to begin his new advisory role, which includes retaining his board positions in various SMC units.
“SMC is a great company that is good for the stakeholders and good for the country. I learned so much through the years,” he told InsiderPH.
Selling SMC’s vision to tough investors
Ryan Martin L. Tapia, president of Chinabank Capital, saw Constantino in action during SMC’s ambitious transformation from a food and beverage (F&B) giant to a diversified conglomerate.
“When I worked on SMC’s international roadshows when the company was still embarking on its shift from F&B powerhouse to an infra and power player, FKC was instrumental in conveying the transition story and winning over difficult and skeptical institutional investors,” he said.
Award-winning CFO
Constantino was recognized as the ING-Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines’ CFO of the year in 2018.
In 2019, he was named CFO of the year in the Philippines during The Asset Triple A awards and was recognized as a distinguished alumnus by the University of the Philippines in 2019.
He holds a degree in AB economics from UP and completed academic requirements for an MA economics degree.
Smooth transition
“Mr. Pineda has been key to SMC’s successful funding initiatives, while Mr. Villanueva is also a highly regarded finance expert, and both have been involved in SMC’s activities for quite some time,” Tapia said.
“We expect a smooth transition, and we have no doubt their leadership will sustain the conglomerate’s financial position and performance,” he added.
New generation of leaders
Villanueva, the incoming CFO, is currently senior vice president for special corporate projects working under the office of the president.
He is also CFO of San Miguel Aerocity, which is behind the development of SMC’s P740 billion international airport complex in Bulacan.
Prior to joining SMC, Villanueva was managing director, global head of finance sponsors coverage at Standard Chartered Bank in Singapore.
He holds a degree in BS management engineering from Ateneo de Manila University and a master’s degree in business administration, major in finance, from Wharton Business School in Pennsylvania.
Pineda is senior vice president and deputy chief finance officer of SMC.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from San Beda College and has completed units toward a master’s degree in business administration at De La Salle University.
He also holds directorships in various SMC domestic and international subsidiaries.
Miguel R. Camus has been a reporter covering various domestic business topics since 2009.
