Globe Telecom Inc. announced on Tuesday the appointment of Carl Raymond Cruz as its president and chief executive, with the strategic objective of becoming the country’s largest and most profitable telecom company.
Cruz, who had served as deputy chief executive of Globe since Jan. 1, 2025, replaced Ernest Cu as president and chief executive.
Cruz, at the “Go Forward Together” media briefing, presented a clear roadmap for the company, centered on innovation, digital inclusion and customer-first thinking to uplift lives and shape a better tomorrow for the company and the nation.
His message reinforces Globe’s market leadership amid a stabilizing economy and favorable conditions for expanded digital access.
According to the 2025 Digital Report Study, Filipinos now rank third globally in daily internet usage, averaging 8 hours and 52 minutes.
“With the Philippines entering a phase of economic normalization and a large digital-native customer base driving long-term demand, Globe is well-positioned to lead the country’s digital progress,” Cruz said.
“We are focused on inclusive growth by widening access to technology and financial tools that make everyday life better,” he said.
Globe’s strength lies in the synergy of its dual growth engines. With connectivity from Globe and financial inclusion via GCash, the company serves everyday needs across the digital lifestyle spectrum, making Cruz’s vision of digital inclusion more attainable.
The company boasts of a strong mobile and fiber footprint, while GCash serves 8 out of 10 Filipinos and connects over 6 million merchants and social sellers through e-commerce, payments, lending, insurance, and investments.
“Our ambition is to be the largest, most profitable, most admired and highly engaged telecom company in the country. Backed by purpose, technology, and people, we are building a progressive and inclusive digital nation,” Cruz said.
Globe’s solid performance in 2024 demonstrates that it is advancing in step with the industry. The company reported an all-time high P165 billion in gross service revenues, a 2 percent increase year-on-year, while maintaining its lead in mobile with 60.9 million subscribers.
GFiber Prepaid reached 260,000 subscribers, which combined with postpaid fiber, delivered the first sequential broadband revenue hike in 13 quarters since the third quarter of 2021.
Core services under the corporate data segment also rose by 9 percent, underscoring the relevance of its connectivity solutions.
High user demand signals market strength but also highlights the need for continued expansion. To address congestion and deliver better service, Globe optimizes network investments, especially on mobile, while shifting fiber strategy toward port utilization.
As in previous years, the majority of capital expenditure was allocated to data-related requirements, ensuring customers can access reliable, high-quality digital connectivity.
Globe deployed 1,212 new cell towers, including in-building installations, and upgraded 4,613 mobile sites in 2024.
It also fired up 587 new 5G installations, bringing 5G outdoor coverage to 98.69 percent of the National Capital Region and 96.95 percent of key cities in Visayas and Mindanao, reaching approximately 106 towns.
Globe’s digital inclusion efforts also include the rollout of over 600 cell sites in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) and online safety initiatives such as #MakeITSafePH, Senior Digizen, and the Digital Thumbprint Program.
