A FEW months after she successfully handled the merger of two budget carriers in the Philippines, Joy D. Cañeba has decided to bow out of the corporate life and continue on with her legal career.
In her three years in the company, Cañeba served the company as legal head, chief operating officer and chief executive officer.
She was appointed CEO in April 2014. She will resume her post as partner at the Santiago, Gaspar, Cañeba & Franco law firm.
Dexter Comendador will replace her as interim chief executive of Philippines AirAsia.
“I enjoyed working with the strong team in the Philippines; it’s been a great honor to lead and work with them. I have no doubt that under Captain Dexter’s leadership, the team will continue to succeed. I am thankful for the support of the stockholders,” Cañeba said.
Comendador has over 34 years of experience in the aviation industry as officer of Philippine Air Force and commercial pilot for various airlines.
He joined Philippines AirAsia in 2011 as director of flight operations and was promoted to COO in 2015.
Marianne M. Hontiveros, who chairs the airline, said Cañeba was a huge asset to her company, especially since she led the merger between AirAsia Inc. and Zest Airways Inc. in 2015. “It was under her dynamic leadership that we successfully integrated and merged two airline companies in the Philippines, leading to the launching of Philippines AirAsia. We understand and fully support her decision to leave and wish her all the best in her legal career,” she said.
Philippines AirAsia was able to embark on its turnaround phase with revenue and passenger load improving year-on-year.
The number of guests carried in 2015 increased significantly, which enabled the airline to boost its passenger load, from 70 percent in 2014 to 81 percent. The airline has recently expanded its network in China with the addition of the Manila-Shanghai route on June 10.
“Her leadership has driven Philippines AirAsia to grow and expand from strength to strength. We are fortunate to have Captain Dexter serve as interim CEO as we continue to build our presence in the market,” AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said.
