SM Investments works in many different fields, such as shops, financial services, real estate investment, and even equity.
Harley Sy is the fourth son and the youngest of Henry Sy's six children. He serves on the boards of several financial and banking-related family businesses.
He is also a director at China Banking and an advisor at BDO Private Bank. In addition to his roles as co-vice chair and treasurer of SM Retail, he also acts as an adviser to the board.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Harley Sy
1. An Academic Foundation in Economics
The bedrock of Harley Sy’s accomplishments lies in his formidable academic journey. Having attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from De La Salle University, a distinguished institution in the Philippines, Harley’s academic prowess has undoubtedly contributed to his adeptness in the realms of business leadership. The strategic prowess evident in SMIC’s expansive growth and diversification echoes the utilization of skills honed during his academic pursuit in Economics.
2. A Philanthropic Steward
Inheriting his father’s philanthropic ethos, Harley Sy is intricately involved in charitable and communal endeavors. Actively championing the SM Foundation, a non-profit entity dedicated to assisting underprivileged Filipino families, Harley epitomizes the essence of social responsibility. Leveraging personal and corporate resources, he directs efforts towards societal betterment, exemplifying a commitment to uplifting communities and fostering positive change.
3. Navigating Succession in SM Investments Corporation (SMIC)
Steering the helm of SMIC as its president and CEO from 2005 to 2019, Harley Sy wielded influence over one of the Philippines’ preeminent business conglomerates. Under his stewardship, SMIC continued its trajectory of excellence across diverse sectors, including retail, banking, and property development. His unwavering dedication and strategic foresight were instrumental in maintaining SMIC’s market dominance and ensuring sustained financial robustness.
4. A Modest Persona
Despite his stature as a notable business figure, Harley Sy maintains a modest personal profile. Preferring to eschew the limelight, he directs attention towards his professional endeavors and philanthropic engagements, thus fostering an environment conducive to focused productivity. His unassuming demeanor, reminiscent of his father’s values, underscores a belief in the efficacy of actions over ostentation.
5. Advocacy for Inclusive Leadership
Harley Sy espouses the principles of inclusive leadership, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives. Embracing input from all echelons of the organization, his leadership style cultivates an environment conducive to innovation, unity, and employee morale. By prioritizing inclusivity, Harley underscores a commitment to fostering a harmonious workplace conducive to individual and collective growth.
Here’s the latest news about Harley Sy
After a stock exchange with Allfirst Equity Holdings Inc., ultra-billionaire Harley Sy now has a larger stake in the family holding company. Sy stated that he had acquired 5.795% more shares of SM Investments Corp. at an average price of P903.88 over the preceding 60 days.
On August 1, SM bought Allfirst, and the shareholdings show how much of the company he owns. Sy's 93.741 million share increase gives him a P79 billion valuation of the company.
The geothermal fields in Tiwi, Albay, and Makban, Laguna, are owned and operated by Philippine Geothermal Production Company Inc., which is a subsidiary of Allfirst.
So that SM could buy Allfirst, it had to give out 21.5 million shares, of which 17.4 million went to Allfirst shareholders, including Harley. SM kept the remaining 4 million shares as treasury stock.
SM Investments, one of the biggest companies in the Philippines, was started by Harley Sy's late father, Henry Sy, and now has his name on it.
In the latest issue of Forbes 2022, Harley Sy and his siblings are named as some of the richest people in the Philippines. He is currently ranked seventh on the list.