Enrique Razon and the empire he built across ports, power, and play

We take a closer look at the industries, influence, and long-term strategy that drive one of the country’s most formidable business figures.

When you discuss modern Philippine power players, Enrique “Ricky” Razon Jr. is the kind of figure who built his place through scale and certainty. He started in his family’s cargo-handling business and expanded that legacy into a global operation. Today, his influence runs through ports, infrastructure, water, and gaming, making him one of the most closely watched figures in the country’s economic landscape. 

Born in 1960, Razon dropped out of school at age 17 and began working for minimum wage in his family’s cargo business, but he wasn’t content to stay small. Over the decades, he transformed that business into ICTSI (International Container Terminal Services, Inc.), now one of the world’s most respected terminal operators with footholds in dozens of countries.

Razon’s ambition went beyond shipping. Under his leadership, he founded Bloomberry Resorts, the company behind the iconic Solaire Resort & Casino in Entertainment City, Manila, which is a flagship in the country’s gaming and tourism landscape. 

He also took a meaningful leap into infrastructure. Through his Prime Strategic holding company, he has invested heavily in utilities, acquiring control of Manila Water, the private concessionaire serving over seven million residents. In addition to water, he also owns MORE Electric & Power Corporation in Iloilo, which provides him with a presence in power distribution. 

Extraordinary leverage

It’s this combination of businesses—ports, gaming, water, and power—that lends Razon extraordinary leverage. His wealth, according to Forbes, is pegged at around $12.8 billion, making him one of the richest people in the Philippines. His net worth jumped hard recently, in part thanks to aggressive expansion: ICTSI is plowing millions into new terminals, and Razon deepened his stake in Manila Water, buying out a chunk of Ayala’s shares.

Insiders describe his leadership style as disciplined and low-profile. Even with such sprawling businesses, Razon stays focused on long-term infrastructure bets. He chairs several holding companies, including Razon & Co., Prime Infrastructure, and Bravo International Port Holdings, all of which funnel into his broader vision.

On the recognition front, he’s as much a businessman as he is an award-winning CEO. For instance, the International Asian Gaming Awards nominated him as “Outstanding CEO” for his role at Bloomberry. 

Razon’s influence also flows into philanthropy. He leads the ICTSI Foundation, which supports various programs around education, logistics, and shipping, building social impact around his commercial empire.

The next generation of Razons

Equally interesting is the next generation. His son, Enzo Razon, has charted a completely unique path: a multimedia artist, storyteller, and filmmaker, Enzo co-founded a creative studio rooted in visual arts. His daughter, Katrina, runs KSR Ventures, which backs social enterprises. She’s also a DJ and composer, combining business with art and purpose.

Taken together, Enrique Razon Jr. is a wealthy tycoon, a builder of infrastructure, a steward of capital, and a quietly ambitious force.

With reports from Kenneth M. del Rosario

 

 

It’s this combination of businesses—ports, gaming, water, and power—that lends Razon extraordinary leverage. His wealth, according to Forbes, is pegged at around $12.8 billion, making him one of the richest people in the Philippines. 

 

 

 

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