Philippines’ broadcast lifer Gilberto Duavit Jr takes over the country’s largest broadcast network from the beginning of 2024 in an end-of-an-era move for the domestic industry.

Currently president and COO, Duavit takes over from GMA Network chairman and CEO, Felipe Gozon, who announced his retirement at the weekend during his 84th birthday celebrations.

Duavit, the eldest son of GMA co-founder Gilberto M Duavit Sr and already a tried-and-trusted member of the GMA empire, takes over from 1 January 2024.

Gozon will continue to serve as the chairman of the Board and adviser to the corporation.

At the same time, Joel Marcelo G. Jimenez – the son of co-founder Menardo R Jimenez – was elected as the new chairman of the network’s Executive Committee, effective 1 January 2024.

The power shift comes a year shy of the 50th anniversary of the making of GMA as it is known today. 

In 1975, Gozon, Gilberto Duavit Sr and Menardo Jimenez, revived the struggling Republic Broadcasting System (RBS), the precursor of GMA. The three restructured debt, upgraded equipment and produced local shows. Gozon took the helm in 2000.  

Duavit joined GMA’s board of directors in 1999 and has been the chairman of the Network’s executive committee since August 2000.  

He was named EVP and COO  in November 2000, and was elected as the company’s president in October 2010.

Duavit  holds multiple positions in the company’s sprawling media empire, including chairman of the board of GMA Network Films. 

Among other positions, Jimenez is the president/CEO of Menarco Holdings, and the CEO of Alta Productions Group.