Carlo Katigbak

Carlo Katigbak
Name	Carlo Katigbak
Occupation	President and CEO, ABS-CBN Corporation
Alma mater	University of the Philippines Diliman
Known for	Media executive, television, digital transformation

Carlo Katigbak is a Filipino media executive and corporate leader known for steering a major Philippine media conglomerate through regulatory, digital, and commercial challenges. He has overseen content, broadcast, and digital platforms while engaging with stakeholders across business, regulatory, and creative sectors. His tenure intersects with prominent figures, institutions, and events in Philippine media, telecommunications, and corporate governance.

Early life and education

Katigbak was born in the Philippines and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman where he earned a degree in Economics (note: linking to institution only). He later attended executive programs and engaged with institutions such as Harvard Business School, INSEAD, and Asian Institute of Management through short courses and leadership workshops. During his formative years he interacted with peers from universities including Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and University of Santo Tomas, and participated in fora associated with organizations such as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Management Association of the Philippines, and Young Presidents' Organization.

Career

Katigbak began his career in corporate roles spanning media, advertising, and technology companies, working with entities like Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and Google Philippines affiliates in strategic or collaborative capacities. He held executive positions in companies related to advertising networks and cable distribution, and collaborated with institutions such as ABS-CBN Corporation prior to his elevation to chief executive roles. His professional trajectory connected him with media platforms including SkyCable Corporation, TV5 Network, GMA Network, CNN Philippines, and content distributors such as Netflix, YouTube, and Facebook (company). He engaged with regulators and policy bodies such as the National Telecommunications Commission (Philippines), National Privacy Commission (Philippines), and legislative bodies like the Senate of the Philippines and House of Representatives of the Philippines in matters affecting broadcasting and digital policy.

Leadership at ABS-CBN Corporation

As president and CEO of ABS-CBN Corporation, Katigbak oversaw operations spanning broadcast television, cable, radio, film, and digital platforms, coordinating with subsidiaries including ABS-CBN News and Star Cinema. His leadership occurred amid high-profile interactions with political leaders and institutions such as the Office of the President of the Philippines, members of the Senate of the Philippines and House of Representatives of the Philippines, and regulatory authorities including the National Telecommunications Commission (Philippines). He managed relationships with business partners and content collaborators like TV5 Network, iWantTFC, Kapamilya Channel, Cable providers, and international partners including BBC, NHK, Al Jazeera, Disney, Warner Bros., and Sony Pictures. His tenure involved navigating legal and legislative processes with legal firms and counsels tied to institutions such as the Supreme Court of the Philippines, Court of Appeals of the Philippines, and legal practitioners from major law firms.

Business strategy and initiatives

Katigbak prioritized digital transformation and multi-platform distribution, focusing on partnerships with technology companies including Google, YouTube, Facebook (company), Twitter, Apple Inc., Spotify, and cloud providers like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. He drove initiatives involving content monetization, subscription models, and rights management, collaborating with production entities such as Star Cinema, Dreamscape Entertainment, Black Sheep (production company), and international distributors like Netflix and HBO. Strategic moves included commercial negotiations with advertisers and agencies such as IPG Mediabrands, WPP plc, Omnicom Group, Publicis Groupe, and media buyers from multinational corporations like Procter & Gamble and Unilever. Katigbak also emphasized regulatory compliance and corporate governance, engaging with bodies like the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission, Philippine Stock Exchange, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and standards organizations such as Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas.

Awards and recognition

During his career Katigbak received industry recognition and was featured in lists and forums organized by entities like Asia Business Leaders Forum, Fortune (magazine), Forbes (magazine), The Asian Banker, and local business publications including BusinessWorld (Philippines), Philippine Daily Inquirer, and The Philippine Star. He participated in panels and was honored in events hosted by chambers and associations such as the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Management Association of the Philippines, and award-giving bodies like the Anvil Awards and PMPC Star Awards for Television for corporate and industry contributions.

Personal life and philanthropy

Katigbak’s personal and philanthropic engagements have involved collaborations with non-governmental organizations and foundations such as the ABS-CBN Foundation, Caritas Manila, Philippine Red Cross, Gawad Kalinga, Ateneo Center for Educational Development, and international relief agencies like UNICEF and World Vision. He has been involved in initiatives related to disaster response, community development, and media literacy, coordinating with academic and cultural institutions such as the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and cultural bodies including the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Category:Filipino chief executives Category:ABS-CBN people