Gil Chua

Gil Chua is the Group Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of DDB Group Philippines. One of the pillars and visionaries of the Philippine advertising industry, Gil Garcia Chua has helped elevate the industry from one that simply makes ads to one that creates valuable innovative and creative business solutions that build brand equity, help grow clients’ business, and provide meaningful job opportunities for Filipinos. 

Gil is known for his ability to build trusting relationships, driven by his commitment to address clients’ needs and deliver the most positive business results grounded by his scholastic background in business economics. Under his leadership, DDB’s business in the Philippines grew exponentially, strategically forming the first integrated marketing communication group in the country that has brought tremendous value to its powerhouse roster of local and regional accounts. 

Towards fulfilling DDB Group’s vision of becoming indispensable creative partners that deliver positive impact to its people, its clients, and the society in general, Gil also leverages business to give back to society through the group’s corporate responsibility arm DDB Cares, helping causes that involve women and children, youth development, arts and culture, and the environment. 

Investing in best talents and innovations, Gil catapulted the group to becoming one of the country’s most awarded agencies. Among DDB Group’s early awards were the 4As Agency of the Year for Best in Market Performance in 2008, the first Gold Advertising Marketing Effectiveness Award from New York for Pepsico’s Pacquiao Sting campaign in 2013, the country’s first-ever Cannes Lions Grand Prix for Smart ‘TXTBKS’ campaign, and the Philippine Quill’s “Agency of the Year” title won in 2013, 2018 and 2019. 

The agency group has not only received awards in creativity, but also recognitions in terms of its workplace values and best practices. It was the first to win Gold in Campaign Southeast Asia – Agency of the Year Awards under the Talent Management and Corporate Communications categories and would also later win a string of awards for Best Culture. 

In 2021, DDB Group Philippines won a Gold Stevie Award for “Company of the Year” in the Advertising, Marketing, & Public Relations – Medium-size category, and another Gold Stevie Award for “Most Exemplary Employer” in the COVID-19 Response category. 

DDB Group Philippines was also named one of the “Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2022” by HR Asia, the region’s most authoritative publication for HR professionals. In March 2022, DDB Group Philippines brought home the much-coveted Campaign Agency of the Year Global’s “Best Place to Work: Individual Shop of the Year 2021” Gold award. It was also recognized as the national champion at the UN Women 2022 WEPs Awards for Gender-Responsive Marketplace, having gone above and beyond to integrate gender equality as a strategic part of its business operations. 

Gil completed the Omnicom University Advanced Management Program of Babson College, Massachusetts in November 2010. He also took up the Strategic Business Economics Program Graduate Studies upon invitation of the University of Asia and the Pacific in 1994. He holds a degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce – Major in Economics, from Far Eastern University. 

He heads the Rotary Club of Makati West (RCMW) as President in the current Rotary Year 2022 to 2023, He is also affiliated with the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Philippine Marketing Association (PMA), the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP), and the Makati Business Club.