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Julia Abad appointed as MBC’s Executive Director

13 July 2026 – The Makati Business Club, led by its Chairman Edgar O. Chua, appointed Julia Abad as the organization’s new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2026. Abad was warmly welcomed by the membership during MBC’s Annual General Meeting on July 9.

With over 20 years of experience spanning public policy, governance, development, and strategic leadership, Abad brings a rare combination of policy depth, cross-sector expertise, and institution-building experience that positions her well to lead MBC into its next chapter.


“Julia’s depth of experience, strategic perspective, and collaborative leadership style make her exceptionally well-positioned to lead MBC into its next chapter. We are confident she will further strengthen the organization’s impact as a platform for business leadership and meaningful reform,” said Chairman Chua.

At a time when MBC is deepening its advocacy on transparency and freedom of information, agricultural modernization, sustainability, competitiveness, and economic reform, Abad’s background in public service and private-sector engagement makes her uniquely suited to strengthen the organization’s role as a bridge between business and government, and as a platform for constructive, solutions-oriented dialogue.

From 2010 to 2016, Abad served as the Presidential Management Staff Chief under the Office of the President., and was considered the youngest cabinet member at that time. Her stint in government was mainly to provide the President of the Philippines policy support and propel the country towards economic progress.

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Abad’s leadership skills has been been given recognition – Young Global Leader (World Economic Forum, 2014), 40 under 40 Leaders (International Development by devex.com, 2013), 

Abad currently holds positions in DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group (Senior Advisor), World Economic Forum Expert Network, Philippine Business For Education (PBEd) (Board of Advisors).

Abad got her undergraduate degree in Communications at the Ateneo de Manila University, and earned a Master’s degree at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in Boston, Massachusetts as a Fulbright Scholar.

Abad joins the distinguished roster of MBC executive directors who have shaped the organization’s legacy of principled business leadership and reform advocacy. She succeeds Rafael Ongpin, who led the secretariat from 2024 to April 2026. Previous executive directors include Bobby Batungbacal (SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation), Francisco Alcuaz Jr. (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas), Peter Perfect (PHINMA Corporation), and Bill Luz (Liveable Cities).

As MBC approaches its 45th year, Abad’s appointment signals the organization’s continued commitment to forward-looking leadership, stronger member engagement, and deeper collaboration with stakeholders across sectors to advance meaningful business and policy reform.

“It is an exciting opportunity to join the Makati Business Club as it marks its 45th year of championing principled business leadership and meaningful reform. I look forward to working closely with MBC’s members, partners, and stakeholders to deepen engagement, advance our shared advocacies, and build on its vital role in fostering constructive dialogue and practical solutions for a more inclusive, competitive, and future-ready Philippines,” said Julia Abad, incoming MBC executive director.

The Board of Trustees, secretariat, and member companies are excited to work with Julia Abad as she leads the organization in deepening engagement with members, partners, and stakeholders in support of meaningful business and policy reform.

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