Roderick Danao named chairman of PwC in the Philippines

PwC in the Philippines, known as Isla Lipana & Co. in the local market, has appointed a new chairman and senior partner: Roderick Danao. 

Roderick Danao was the most likely candidate to succeed Alexander Cabrera, having served as the vice-chairman since 2013 and as assurance managing partner since 2014. The new chairman assumes his new role on July 1, 2021, and brings more than 25 years of experience in auditing to the position. 

Earlier in his career, Danao was the audit methodology and learning and education leader for eight years. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), he previously worked for PwC’s member firms in the UK and US from 2000 to 2003. “I am honoured to represent the firm,” said Danao on the vote of confidence he received from the firm’s partners. 

One of Danao’s key tasks will be to align the firm’s domestic strategy to PwC’s recently launched new global strategy, known internally as ‘The New Equation’. “We align the Philippine firm’s commitments to the new strategy that focuses on the need to build trust and the need to deliver sustained outcomes.” 

His predecessor Cabrera as two terms as chairman and senior partner and has now transitioned to the role of chairman emeritus. In his new role, he will remain an active partner and focus mainly on helping PwC address business and societal challenges.

“At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. My focus areas are inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and systemic reform. These are environmental, social and governance factors that create long-term value for companies, and that makes for a good sustainable strategy.”

In the Philippines, Isla Lipana & Co. has active for 99 years, making it one of PwC’s oldest member firms across Asia.