Robinsons Land Corp, the driving force behind NUSTAR Resort & Casino in Cebu, Philippines, announced the appointment of Maria Socorro Isabelle Aragon-GoBio as its new president and chief executive officer, effective February 1. The company made the announcement in a statement released Monday.
On the same day, 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.
As part of this transition, Lance Gokongwei will step down as Robinsons Land’s president and CEO on February 1. However, he will remain with the company as executive chairman, where he will continue to provide strategic oversight. Additionally, his sister Robina Gokongwei-Pe will exit her role as a director on the same date.
Mr. Gokongwei has served as president and CEO since January 8, 2024. The board expressed gratitude for his contributions, emphasizing that under his leadership, Robinsons Land strengthened its position as a key player in the real estate sector.
Meanwhile, Ms. Aragon-GoBio, a seasoned executive with over 30 years of real estate experience, has worked with Robinsons Land since 1993. Throughout her tenure, she has held senior leadership roles across various business segments, including logistics, residential and office developments, and mixed-use estates.
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.
Furthermore, NUSTAR Resort & Casino, which launched in May 2022, plans to expand with the addition of a luxury hotel under the “NUSTAR” brand. This new property forms part of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts’ ambitious plan to invest over PHP10 billion (approximately USD171.5 million) to enhance the hospitality landscape across the Philippines.
The upcoming NUSTAR Hotel Cebu will feature 223 rooms, complementing the existing 379 rooms under the “Fili” hotel brand. By early 2027, the complex expects further expansion with a third hotel, the “Grand Summit,” which will bring the total room count at NUSTAR Resort to 985.
