Taking Notes
The CEO Magazine Asia|July 2021
Fredley Group founder and CEO Avin Ong was determined not to let the pandemic stand in the way of future success. Instead, he carefully watched the situation unfold and adapted his business accordingly.
Anne Majumdar
Taking Notes

NAME: Avin Ong

COMPANY: Fredley Group

POSITION: Founder & CEO

LOCATION: Manila, Philippines

Running a multi-brand business is a little like having kids – you can’t show preference to any of them, Fredley Group CEO Avin Ong teases. He doesn’t even allow himself to have a favourite dish at any of his nine food and drink chains, making sure he spreads the love equally. Perhaps that’s why all are currently growing at an impressive rate, defying the barrage of setbacks that the past year has thrown at them.

When The CEO Magazine last spoke to Avin towards the end of 2019, the world had no clue what lay in store. He was bullish about the outlook, laying out plans to have 200 branches operating across the Philippines by the end of 2020. So how did those plans work out?

“I’m happy to share with you that we now have more than 230 branches operating nationwide under the Fredley Group of Companies,” he reveals. The Group expanded its portfolio too, adding French brands Maison Kitsuné and Café Kitsuné, and acquiring 100 per cent of shares in its existing brands New York Fries & Dips and Liang Crispy Rolls.

That’s not to say that it has been easy, however. Avin admits the year has been a wild ride. “Business is doing well but, of course, not as good as we all expected,” he says of COVID-19’s impact. “During the pandemic, all of our branches had no choice but to close down according to the government restrictions. We opened after a few months during the general community quarantine.”

Esta historia es de la edición July 2021 de The CEO Magazine Asia.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición July 2021 de The CEO Magazine Asia.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE THE CEO MAGAZINE ASIAVer todo
Lito German Is Driving Change And Accelerating Growth For Sandbox
The CEO Magazine Asia

Lito German Is Driving Change And Accelerating Growth For Sandbox

After years in the automotive industry, CEO Lito German is now driving change and accelerating growth for importer and distributor Sandbox Middle East.

time-read
4 minutos  |
September 2021
They're Pioneers In Enshrining Green Values Into Everything They Do
The CEO Magazine Asia

They're Pioneers In Enshrining Green Values Into Everything They Do

CEO Chamaiporn Uerpairojkit explains how thai plastics giant tpbi was committed to sustainability long before the government made an industry-changing announcement last year.

time-read
4 minutos  |
September 2021
Maverick Unicorn
The CEO Magazine Asia

Maverick Unicorn

Spotify co-founder and CEO Daniel Ek is a textbook example of the startup gurus propelling their companies to billion-dollar valuations.

time-read
4 minutos  |
September 2021
''Increase The Velocity''
The CEO Magazine Asia

''Increase The Velocity''

Adapting Camfil’s business model to work at a faster pace was critical for the business to thrive in today’s China, according to managing director Michel Moulin.

time-read
5 minutos  |
September 2021
Device Manager
The CEO Magazine Asia

Device Manager

Covid-19 tore the world’s tech supply chains asunder, the effects of which are still being felt today. But through steady management and quality of work, malaysian component manufacturer analog devices has managed to thrive during the storm.

time-read
4 minutos  |
September 2021
Going Antiviral
The CEO Magazine Asia

Going Antiviral

Chiaphua Industries chief marketing officer and co-founder of Germagic Hamilton Hung has transformed the appliance manufacturer into an antiviral research and development powerhouse. And he has done so with patience and vision.

time-read
4 minutos  |
September 2021
Risk Vs Return
The CEO Magazine Asia

Risk Vs Return

Add pandemic fallout to a low interest-rate environment and you have a challenge for highnet-worth investors. Where might opportunities lie?

time-read
4 minutos  |
September 2021
Expect The Unexpected
The CEO Magazine Asia

Expect The Unexpected

For lockton philippines insurance & reinsurance brokers ceo vic valledor, providing affordable premiums for the poorest families is vital, especially considering the recent challenges of the covid-19 pandemic.

time-read
5 minutos  |
September 2021
The Ultimate Investments
The CEO Magazine Asia

The Ultimate Investments

With the global economic recovery from the pandemic underway, many analysts are suggesting now is the time to invest – but will whisky, soybeans or bitcoin find a way into your portfolio?

time-read
5 minutos  |
September 2021
The Future Of Fintech
The CEO Magazine Asia

The Future Of Fintech

Covid-19 has accelerated the world’s shift to a digital economy, and airwallex co-founder and president Lucy Liu wants to make sure there are more female fintech leaders with her at the top.

time-read
3 minutos  |
September 2021