After graduating from the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in AB Economics, Honors Program, Ariel Cantos was hired by Philam Life where he spent practically his entire professional career.
Through the years, Ariel Cantos rose from the ranks and was given various managerial and executive roles. He was Chief Agency Officer responsible for the sales of over 10,000 financial advisors. He was appointed President and CEO of BPI Philam, now the largest bancassurance company in the country. Then appointed Country Head of the Philam Group and President and CEO of Philam Life. He was also Chairman of the Philam Foundation.
Ariel Cantos served also as the President of the Philippine Life Insurance Association and the Chairman of the Asean Insurance Council.
In his 3 year term as Philam Life CEO, the company won the “Best Company to work for in Asia Award” , during his 2nd and 3rd years.
He decided to retire early in 2019 to spend more quality time with his family and pursue his personal advocacies.
Male Champions of Change Philippines
Ariel Cantos is a Member of the Male Champions of Change Philippines Group established in 2019 in partnership with the Philippine Business Coalition of Women (PBCWE). PBCWE was formed from a partnership with the Philippine Women’s Economic Network (PhilWEN) and Investing Women (IW), an initiative of the Australian Government.
The group includes leaders from various industries including oil and gas, logistics, insurance, professional services and retail. Members have a deep personal commitment to advancing gender equality in their organisations, and they are working together towards the advancement of gender equality in leadership, recruitment and promotions.