MAKATI, Philippines – EastWest Priority, the wealth management segment of EastWest, recently gathered business owners and family enterprise leaders for an exclusive forum exploring the challenges of balancing family dynamics, leadership succession, and long-term success.

Held at Fairmont Makati, the event featured internationally recognized family business expert Dr. Marleen Dieleman, Professor of Family Business at IMD Business School. Drawing on principles of distributive justice, she discussed how family enterprises can address differences in capability, contribution, and motivation among next-generation members while maintaining trust, alignment, and business continuity.

As family enterprises grow, questions around succession, ownership, and participation often become more complex. Dieleman emphasized the importance of establishing clear principles and governance structures to guide decision-making and manage expectations across family members.

^{(from left) Filinvest Hospitality CEO Francis Gotianun, EastWest Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer Isabelle Yap, and Dr. Marleen Dieleman}

The program also featured a fireside chat with Francis Gotianun, CEO of Filinvest Hospitality, and Isabelle Yap, EastWest Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer. As third-generation members of the Gotianun family behind Filinvest and EastWest, they shared firsthand perspectives on preserving family values, managing evolving leadership dynamics, and preparing future generations for leadership roles.

The discussion highlighted how family governance mechanisms can help align values, support effective decision-making, and strengthen continuity across generations. Drawing from their own experience, the speakers discussed how families can navigate differing perspectives while remaining anchored on a shared vision and purpose.

The forum formed part of EastWest Priority's ongoing efforts to provide clients with perspectives that extend beyond wealth management, addressing the opportunities and challenges that come with leading businesses, preserving relationships, and planning for the future.

^{EastWest CEO Jerry G. Ngo delivering the welcoming remarks}

“Many of our clients are business owners who are not only building enterprises but also thinking deeply about the legacy they will leave behind,” said EastWest CEO Jerry Ngo. “At EastWest Priority, we aim to be a partner not only in their financial journey but also in the challenges that come with building and sustaining a family enterprise. Through conversations like these, we connect clients with respected experts who can offer valuable perspectives and help them prepare future generations to carry their legacy forward.”

To learn more about EastWest Priority and its exclusive privileges, events, and wealth management solutions, visit https://www.eastwestbanker.com/priority.