ACMobility, the mobility solutions arm of the Ayala Group and a rising force in the Philippines’ electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure landscape, has announced a series of strategic leadership changes and organizational enhancements, effective June 1, 2025. These changes are designed to sharpen operational efficiency, improve workflow integration, and equip the company for its next phase of growth in a rapidly evolving mobility sector.
“As the automotive industry undergoes significant transformation, our commitment to delivering exceptional mobility solutions requires us to continuously evolve our operations,” said Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Chief Executive Officer of ACMobility. “These leadership transitions are intended to elevate our service delivery, empower agility, and align more closely with our customers’ changing needs.”
As part of the leadership transition, Antonio “Toti” Zara, currently Head of Automotive Retail and Distribution, will move into an advisory role. A seasoned industry executive, Zara has played a key role in developing ACMobility’s dealership, distribution, and aftermarket businesses. He will continue to support the company’s senior leadership team until his retirement later this year. In line with this shift, the title and role of Head of Automotive Retail and Distribution will be retired.
The restructured organization is aimed at fostering greater strategic clarity across ACMobility’s operations. Among the key leadership appointments:
- Jay Lopez joins as Managing Director of Kia Philippines Motor Corporation (KPMC), bringing 28 years of cross-industry leadership experience in pharmaceuticals, consumer health, and agribusiness.
- Bob Palanca remains Managing Director of Mobility Access Philippines Ventures, Inc. (MAPVI), distributor of BYD passenger vehicles in the Philippines.
To further enhance operational synergy, ACMobility is establishing the Auto Care and Retail Group, a new business unit that consolidates all dealership operations under Iconic Dealership, Inc. (IDI), including Kia, BYD, Isuzu, Honda, and the Bosch Car Service franchise.
This group will be led by Steve Gingco, currently Head of IDI-Honda, who will retain his existing role while assuming leadership of the expanded function.
Supporting this new structure are the following key appointments:
- Eric Wambangco as IDI-Isuzu Brand Head, bringing 23 years of experience with the brand.
- Dennis Salvador as IDI-BYD Brand Head, previously overseeing IDI’s broader dealership portfolio.
- Brian Buendia as IDI-Kia Brand Head, transitioning from his previous post as COO of Kia Distribution.
- Ron Campilan continues as General Manager of Bosch Car Service Philippines.
“These appointments reflect our firm dedication to building a future-ready organization capable of delivering end-to-end mobility solutions,” said Zobel de Ayala. “With these leaders at the helm, we are confident in our ability to drive operational excellence, innovation, and sustained growth across all business verticals.”
ACMobility confirms that ongoing operations will remain unaffected during the transition. All legal agreements and contractual commitments across its businesses will continue in full force.
For more information about ACMobility and its services, visit https://acmobility.ph.
