CEO Profiles: Eugene Acevedo
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Eugene Acevedo is a prominent Philippine business leader currently serving as a Director of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC). He is widely credited with transforming RCBC into one of the fastest-growing universal banks in the country through his previous role as President and CEO, focusing on digital innovation and financial inclusion. Additionally, he serves as the Advisory Dean at the Mapúa E.T. Yuchengco School of Business and holds various board positions in insurance and real estate.
Dr. Acevedo’s unique academic foundation in Physics, including a degree from the University of San Carlos and a former role as a lecturer at the University of the Philippines, provides him with a distinct analytical edge. This scientific background allows him to apply deep mathematical and structural rigor to the financial services industry. By merging this technical precision with human-centered leadership, he successfully navigates the complexities of modern banking and organizational development.
Dr. Acevedo is an award-winning author of books such as Reinvent and Outperform and the memoir Never Stand Alone, the latter of which received a 2025 Gold Quill Award for writing excellence. His leadership has earned him significant accolades, including being named one of PeopleAsia’s People of the Year 2024 and one of the Philippines’ Top 30 Leaders on LinkedIn. He has also received distinguished alumni awards from the Asian Institute of Management and Citibank.
Dr. Acevedo views mentorship as a virtuous cycle that is essential for producing talented individuals and maintaining organizational strength. He believes in intentionally building a culture of continuous learning, often requiring his senior officers to undergo the same rigorous training he sets for himself. His strategic mindset emphasizes "selectively attacking" opportunities during crises rather than retreating, ensuring the organization remains agile and growth-oriented even in difficult times.
His approach to digitalization is centered entirely on empathy and addressing the specific pain points of the customer. Dr. Acevedo argues that successful digital tools are not created by executives guessing what might work, but by deeply understanding the user's context and the tangible benefits they require. By focusing on the "why" behind customer needs, he has been able to lead RCBC toward digital solutions that are both inclusive and highly effective.
