Robinsons Land Corp, the driving force behind the NUSTAR Resort & Casino in Cebu, Philippines, has announced the appointment of Maria Socorro Isabelle Aragon-GoBio as its new president and chief executive officer, effective February 1. The announcement was made in a statement released on Monday.
Robinsons Land, a publicly-listed company under the privately-held Gokongwei Group, confirmed that its board of directors approved the leadership changes during a meeting held the same day.
As part of the transition, Lance Gokongwei will step down as Robinsons Land’s president and CEO on February 1. He will, however, remain with the company as executive chairman, where he will continue to provide strategic oversight. His sister, Robina Gokongwei-Pe, will also exit her role as a director of the company on the same date.
Mr. Gokongwei has served as president and CEO since January 8, 2024. The company’s board expressed gratitude for his contributions, stating that under his leadership, Robinsons Land strengthened its position as a key player in the real estate sector.
Ms. Aragon-GoBio, a seasoned executive with over three decades of experience in real estate, has been with Robinsons Land since 1993. During her tenure, she has held senior leadership roles across various business segments, including logistics, residential and office developments, and mixed-use estates.
In a statement, the board noted that her extensive expertise and innovative vision will play a crucial role in driving Robinsons Land’s future growth. “Ms. Aragon-GoBio brings a wealth of experience and forward-thinking leadership that will guide the company into a new era of success and transformation,” the board remarked.
NUSTAR Resort & Casino, launched in May 2022, is poised to expand with the addition of a luxury hotel under the “NUSTAR” brand. This new property is part of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts’ ambitious plan to invest over PHP10 billion (approximately USD171.5 million) in enhancing the hospitality landscape across the Philippines.
The NUSTAR Hotel Cebu will feature 223 rooms, complementing the existing 379 rooms under the “Fili” hotel brand. By early 2027, the complex is expected to further expand with a third hotel, the “Grand Summit,” bringing the total room count at NUSTAR Resort to 985.