Metro Manila – Atty. Felipe Gozon, the CEO and chairman of GMA Network, declared his departure from the CEO role on Saturday evening. He also announced that Gilberto Duavit Jr., the current chief operating officer (COO), is set to succeed him.
Effective from January 1, 2024, Duavit will assume the CEO position, while Gozon will continue as the chairman of the board and serve as an advisor to the company, according to a statement released on the network’s websites and social media platforms.
The retirement announcement came during Gozon’s 84th birthday celebration on December 9.
Gozon played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Republic Broadcasting System Inc. in 1975, alongside Gilberto Duavit Sr. and Menardo Jimenez, which later evolved into what is now known as the GMA Network. He has been at the helm of the network as its CEO since 2000.
Duavit Jr., Gozon’s successor, is the progeny of one of the network’s founders, Duavit Sr. He has been a member of the network’s board since 1999. His rise within the company saw him become the executive vice president and COO in November 2000, followed by his election as president in 2010.