Digital leader Edwin Bautista takes the reins at legacy bank Philippine National Bank

Philippine National Bank, part of the Lucio Tan Group, is ushering in a new era of leadership with the appointment of Edwin Bautista as its president and CEO, effective 29 April.

Bautista’s arrival follows the resignation of Florido Casuela, who is stepping down after nearly two decades with the bank. The move is seen as a critical step in PNB’s ongoing transformation and is set to reinforce its commitment to innovation and customer-focused banking.

Casuela’s departure: An end of an era

Casuela, 83, has been a pillar of stability at PNB, having joined in 2006 as a director before rising to acting president in 2022. His leadership helped steer the bank through turbulent post-pandemic years, a period marked by economic recovery and financial recalibration.

During his tenure, PNB rebounded strongly, recording a net income of 21.2 billion pesos in 2024 – a 20.5% increase from 2020. Under his guidance, PNB cemented its position as the country’s eighth-largest bank, with assets reaching P1.2 trillion as of September.

While stepping down from the top role, Casuela will remain a board adviser, allowing him to share his extensive experience while focusing on personal ventures.

A tech-driven leader takes the reins

Bautista’s appointment signals a shift towards digital transformation and innovation at PNB. Before joining, he spent nearly 30 years at Union Bank of the Philippines, where he played a key role in its ambitious digital banking initiatives.

As Unionbank’s president, he led the launch of UnionDigital Bank, a mobile-first platform that expanded access to credit and financial services.

PNB highlighted his extensive experience, lauding Bautista for his “wealth of experience from [Unionbank] where he played a pivotal role in driving the bank’s digital transformation and expanding its retail banking”.

Bautista’s credentials extend beyond banking. He has held senior roles at Procter & Gamble, Citibank, and American Express, where he honed his expertise in marketing, sales, and transaction banking.

His diverse background positions him as a leader capable of navigating both traditional and digital banking landscapes.

Change amid strong financial performance

Bautista steps into the role at a time when PNB is experiencing robust financial growth. Lending activity has been on the rise, driving net interest income up by 11% to P49.3 billion in 2024.

The bank’s fee-based business – encompassing loans, credit cards, deposits, and trade services – also recorded a 4% uptick to P5.5 billion.

His appointment underscores PNB’s long-term vision for sustainable growth and customer-centric banking.

Unionbank’s leadership transition

Bautista’s departure from Unionbank was announced alongside his new role at PNB. On the same day, he officially stepped down from Unionbank’s board, citing “personal reasons”.

His exit paved the way for Ana Aboitiz-Delgado, a fifth-generation member of the Aboitiz family, to take the helm as president and CEO earlier this year.

A digital future for PNB?

With Bautista at the helm, PNB is expected to double down on digital innovation, mirroring the transformation he led at Unionbank. The move comes as banks worldwide accelerate their shift towards technology-driven financial services.

His leadership is likely to bring fresh momentum to PNB’s digital strategy, enhancing its competitive position in the rapidly evolving banking landscape.

As PNB charts its course under Bautista’s leadership, the bank is positioning itself for a future where technology, customer experience, and sustainable growth go hand in hand.

His appointment marks more than just a leadership change – it suggests PNB is ready to adopt digital transformation under Bautista.