Former ABS-CBN exec to lead Dennis Uy's telco, media group
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16) — A former executive of TV network ABS-CBN has been chosen to head businessman Dennis Uy's telecommunications and media unit.
In a statement, Udenna Group said Donald Patrick Lim, once the chief digital officer of the Lopez-owned network, will serve as chief operating officer and chief innovation officer of DITO CME to handle Uy's communications, media and entertainment businesses.
Uy's listed firm ISM Communications Corporation has been renamed to DITO CME Holdings Corporation in December. The company includes Dito Telecommunity, the third telco player set to roll out mobile subscription services this year.
Lim's appointment takes effect February 1. Prior to this, he served as country manager of digital marketing communications firm Dentsu Aegis Network for three years. Apart from his stint at ABS-CBN, he was also the chief innovation officer of advertising firm McCann Worldgroup Philippines.
ABS-CBN, which is one of the biggest media companies in the country, faces an uncertain future as President Rodrigo Duterte threatened that he would not let Congress renew the network's franchise which expires in March. Duterte told network executives in December to just sell the network to a new owner, sparking talks that other businessmen may be eyeing to be the white knight by acquiring ABS-CBN just to boost its chances of remaining in business.
READ: Duterte to ABS-CBN: Next year, you're out
Meanwhile, Udenna said Lim is also expected to "identify synergies and drive business innovation" across the Udenna Group, including brands like Phoenix Petroleum, Family Mart, Chelsea Logistics, Udenna Land, Enderun College, and restaurants Conti's and Wendy's.
