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The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a stand-still. In the Philippines, many of the businesses, especially in the MSME sector were brought to its knees. Jean Henri Lhuillier, businessman, avid sportpatron, and known philatrophist knew that he had to do something. As President and CEO of PJ Lhuillier, Inc. (PJLI), parent company of microfinancial services giant Cebuana Lhuillier, he is in the best position to extend assistance to millions of Filipinos during the pandemic. For more than thirty-five years, Cebuana Lhuillier has operated its business based on its mission of financial inclusion.
Earning the trust of millions of Filipinos through the years, Cebuana Lhuillier has always been the go-to destination its myriad of financial services available: fro pawning to money transfers and remittance to microinsurance and even to banking services following its partnership with its banking arm, Cebuana Lhuillier Bank for its microsavings product.
In the midst of the pandemic years, Cebuana Lhuillier remained strong and thriving: it was one of the few financial services open during the strict nationwide quarantine, becoming a lifeline for many Filipinos who relied on it for their financial needs. In 2022, in the last few months of the pandemic, it announced a massive expansion – increasing the number of its branches to more than 3,000 branches, a 20 percent increase from its pre-pandemic network of branches.
Lhuillier is the force behind this audacious move. Drawing from the lessons of the pandemic, he knew that accessibility and reliability has always been a drawn-out issue concerning financial institutions, especially in many rural areas of the Philippines. His massive expansion effort focused on building Cebuana Lhuillier branches especially in Southern Philippines including Mindanao where access to financial services has been hard to come by.
Following this first move, Lhuillier then set his sights on his constant passion as president & CEO of the Philippines’ microfinancial services industry leader: constant innovation, both on its products and its tech channels. In 2022, Cebuana Lhuillier rolled out improved versions of many of its digital channels: eCebuana app which allowed for quick and efficient money transfers; ProtectNow, a one-stop online shop for insurance needs; Cebuana-from-Home, which brings pawning to the online space; and even partnered with Advance, to introduce easy and reliable salary loan to Filipinos. Lhuillier also greenlighted Just Jewels Online, which made it possible for Filipinos to invest in jewelry online.
Understanding how connectivity have become the by-word of the post-pandemic world, he also pushed for strategic partnerships with some of the Philippines’ biggest names in Fintech to ensure growth of the company, especially its money transfers business. In 2022, Lhuiller was front and center in solidifying partnerships with GCash, the Philippines’ biggest eWallet services and BPI, one of the countrys biggest banks. This is aside from deals with some of the world’s biggest names in blockchain technology, including Stellar Network and Tempo.
His commitment to constant innovation and strategic use of technology has earned him the Mansmith Innovation Award as a “Master Innovator.” He was cited for his exceptional commitment to bringing financial inclusion to Filipinos and further elevating microfinancial services in the Philippines. The Mansmith award joins Lhuillier’s large haul of recognition in 2022, including nods from Golden Bridge, Stevies, and the Asia CEO Awards, among others.
In the midst of his constant push for excellence and innovation, Lhuillier never forgot to take care of the more than 9,000 employees of Cebuana Lhuillier. Crediting them for “helping make his vision a reality,” Lhuillier ensured that employees are taken cared of, even during the waning months of the pandemic. Vitamin supplements, bi-weekly COVID-19 monitoring tests, and provisions for transportation remained in effect.
His vision mixed with the hardwork and commitment of the employees spelled all the difference for Cebuana Lhuillier: to date, the company is back on track. By end of 2022, the company posted significant increase in its business.
Nomination Title: Jean Henri Lhuillier
