Rene has vast experience in the private and public sector. He is the Senior Managing Director of Ayala Corporation (AC) and Group Head of Public Affairs. He is also a Board of Director of the following companies within the Ayala Group: AC Energy and Infrastructure, AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation, Light Rail Manila Holdings, Inc., Entrego, Air 21 Holdings, Inc, and its subsidiaries, and a member of the Executive Committee of Manila Water Co., Inc. (MWCI).

He spent 13 years with the Citibank group where he started as a management trainee and landed his first CEO position as President of City Savings Bank of the Aboitiz Group at the age of 37.  In 2011, he was recognized by the World Economic Forum as a Sustainability Champion for his efforts as President of MWCI.  During his stint as MWCI President and Chief Operating Officer, the company received multiple awards and was recognized as one of the Best Managed Companies in Asia, Best in Corporate Governance, one of the Greenest Companies in the Philippines and hailed as the world’s Most Efficient Water Company.

As a public servant Rene served in various high-level positions, namely, Secretary of Energy, Cabinet Secretary and Secretary of Foreign Affairs. In June 2016, Rene was awarded the Order of Lakandula, Rank of Gold Cross Bayani, a Presidential award and the highest honor given to a civilian by the Republic of the Philippines. The award was President Aquino’s recognition of his exemplary service during his administration.