PHILIPPINES. Vicente Pelagio Angala has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer at state-run Duty Free Philippines (DFP), replacing the much-respected Lorenzo ‘Enchong’ Formoso.
The appointment follows the recent election of the country’s new President, Rodrigo Duterte, in May. The role of DFP Chief Operating Officer usually changes after Presidential elections.
The highly regarded DFP veteran Angala joined the organisation in 1987, rising up the ranks to become Head of Finance before his latest promotion.
Angala was sworn into office last week by Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo.
Formoso, who assumed his role in 2011, departs with an outstanding track record.
Another pioneer of the organisation, he has led DFP’s strong commercial revival over recent years, driving a wave of store openings and enhanced marketing programmes, culminating in 2015 sales of US$226.1 million.
That ranked DFP number 25 travel retailer worldwide in The Moodie Davitt Report’s annual industry league table.
Formoso also played a driving role in the organisation’s acclaimed Corporate Social Responsibility programme, highlighted by the building of the DFP Cares (Coordinated Action in Response to Emergency Situations) Travel Retail Village, which rehoused over 100 families in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013.
DFP led the construction of the community on the island of Leyte, which was devastated by the typhoon.
Formoso is a Board Member of the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA). Earlier this year was named Chairman of The Federation of Asia Pacific Retailers Associations. He is also President of the Philippine Retailers Association.
