Western Union Names Former GCASH Executive to Lead Philippines Operations

Western Union Appoints Ricardo Alair to Lead Operations Across the Philippines, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and Palau

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06/24/2025 - 11:00 PM

MANILA, Philippines--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Western Union today announced the appointment of Ricardo Alair as Director for the Philippines, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and Palau. His appointment comes as the Company accelerates its growth strategy, expanding access to financial services for customers across the region.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ricardo to Western Union,” said Gregory Laurent, Western Union’s Regional Vice President for Japan, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Islands. “His extensive experience in financial services and telecoms, paired with a sharp understanding of the local market, makes him uniquely positioned to lead our operations in the Philippines and neighboring territories. Ricardo’s leadership will play a key role in enhancing our customer experience and driving meaningful impact across the communities we serve.”

With over 20 years of experience across financial services, telecommunications and business strategy, Alair brings a strong track record of innovation, operational excellence and sustainable growth. He spent more than 14 years at Globe Telecom in senior leadership roles. This included eight years under its Mobile Financial Services unit, GCASH, where he was instrumental in shaping business operations and corporate planning.

Most recently, Alair served as Deputy General Manager at Lulu Money Philippines. Here he led the launch of the Company’s e-wallet business - overseeing startup operations, product development and full-scale deployment.

Commenting on his appointment, Alair said, “It is a privilege to join Western Union at such a transformative moment for the industry. The Philippines and surrounding markets have vibrant, fast-moving financial ecosystems and I am excited to drive Western Union’s next phase of innovation and progress. I look forward to working with our teams and partners to bring trusted, relevant solutions that truly support our customers as their needs evolve and grow.”

Western Union has been operating in the Philippines for over three decades, connecting customers to their loved ones globally through its physical and digital channels. The Company remains committed to supporting the financial journeys of individuals, families and communities through trusted international money transfer services.

About Western Union

The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is committed to helping people around the world who aspire to build financial futures for themselves, their loved ones and their communities. Our leading cross-border, cross-currency money movement, payments and digital financial services empower consumers, businesses, financial institutions and governments—across more than 200 countries and territories and nearly 130 currencies—to connect with billions of bank accounts, millions of digital wallets and cards, and a global footprint of hundreds of thousands of retail locations. Our goal is to offer accessible financial services that help people and communities prosper. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.