Lucio Tan’s Philippine Air to name president as revamp continues

Philippine Airlines is expected to name a new president Monday, replacing Jaime Bautista, who abruptly quit the post last month. Gilbert Santa Maria, who was COO of IBEX Global Solutions, tops the list of nominees, according to people familiar with the matter. Philippine Air’s board of directors will meet July 29. Asked to confirm if Santa Maria has been chosen, Philippine Air majority owner Lucio Tan said Friday “that’s true,” without elaborating. Tan has been interim president as the airline undergoes management changes that started with Bautista’s retirement. Early this month, the carrier named new heads for its commercial and human resources departments. Vivienne Tan, executive VP and daughter of Lucio, is assisting her father in day-to-day operations. <br/>