'It's Not Enough To Meet Expectations. You Need To Exceed Them.'

President and Ceo Vicente Gregorio Has Capitalised on the Lasting Reputation of Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures, to Create Continuing Double-digit Growth and a Powerful Ethos of Customer Service.

- Oliver Featherston

Born in Sacramento in 1954, Shakey’s Pizza has an enduring legacy as the first pizza chain in the United States. International expansion began in 1968, and it wasn’t long after that the first Shakey’s opened in the Philippines, in 1975.

The chain has an equally impressive reputation in the South-East Asian nation. Shakey’s President and CEO Vicente Gregorio, who was invited to lead the company in 2003, has played a key role in the organisation’s dramatic turnaround and sustained success. With more than 30 years of food service industry experience, Vicente has been consistently driving an organisational cultural that has made Shakey’s regain the leadership position in the segment.

The CEO Magazine: What motivates you about your position?

Vicente: Having worked my way up to this position, I know how difficult and how important the role I play is and how it impacts the company and its people. I try my best constantly because my belief is that the things I do and say have a big impact on many people.

I’m not one to shy away from challenges and responsibilities. I don’t want to be at the back of the stage. I enjoy taking the lead; I’m competitive. Growing up I enjoyed sports, teamwork; this has helped me survive and evolve in this environment.

You mentioned you’ve had challenges throughout your career – what are some examples of that and how did you overcome them?

I’m an engineer by training. Originally, my intention was to pursue that as a career but as I worked in this business, I realised I enjoyed working with people, so it became less a job, and more something I loved doing. I became passionate about this business, and I realised I could excel in it.