Redesigning the Corporate Center for Long-Term Ambition

When the Gokongwei Group set out to clarify its purpose, values, and 5-year business goals, it became clear that the existing corporate center structure wasn’t equipped to deliver these ambitions. The group needed a more focused, agile, and value-driven center—one that could guide the business units toward shared success. 

Acumen worked closely with Gokongwei Group to redesign its corporate center. We:

1. Conducted in-depth listening sessions with leaders across the conglomerates and external benchmarking from leading global organizations
2. Developed comprehensive recommendations for the group’s parenting strategy and center mandates
3. Designed an end-state organizational structure with clear functional units, KRAs, and KPIs
4. Created a phased transition plan to ensure smooth implementation

The redesigned corporate center now has 7 direct reports to the CEO—down from 18—creating a leaner, more focused leadership team. Each functional unit has a crystal-clear mandate, enabling the group and its business units to execute their 5-year ambitions with greater clarity, alignment, and impact.