Paul John M. Peña
Transformation is a permanent imperative.
Pao
Strategy. Clarity. Movement.
Helps teams align, ideas land, and systems work. Sometimes writes, often teaches. Always learning.
Hi, I’m Pao Peña.
Strategic leader with over two decades of experience guiding organizations through transformation by integrating strategy, systems, and storytelling. I specialize in aligning cross-functional teams to drive sustainable growth and market leadership.
Over the past two decades, I’ve worked across industries—telecom, FMCG, public policy, advertising, QSR—leading initiatives in enterprise strategy, transformation, communications, research, and public-private engagement. My current role at McDonald’s Philippines involves working closely with the Managing Director as Development Strategic Planning, Strategy Consulting and Enterprise Data Lead, driving long-term business growth and cross-functional alignment.
I’ve helped build digital ecosystems, launched national campaigns, advised on policy, and taught graduate courses in economics and ethics. I’ve worked with CEOs, civil society, agency creatives, frontline teams, and students. My lens has always been wide—but my focus is always people, process, and purpose.
This site is a collection of work, writing, and reflections. I don’t update it nearly as often as I should—but when I do, it’s usually with something I care about.
Here are three things that guide how I work. Or, if you’re curious about the journey so far, here’s a bit more about me.
What I Do
Strategic Planning & Portfolio Management
Executive Advisory & Leadership Alignment
Data Science, Business Intelligence, & Consumer Insights
Digital Transformation & CX
Thought Leadership & Policy Influence
Transformative Experiences
National Communications Head at Eleksyon 2022 Koalisyon
2021
Lead the overall marketing of a non-partisan coalition focused solely on registering 7 million additional voters for the national and local elections in 2022. Boost awareness and affinity on a shoestring.
Senior Consultant at the Senate of the Philippines
2019
Build digital as a core organisational competency across functions. Provide thought leadership on digital excellence especially in a time of misinformation, disinformation and mobility constraints.
Chief Digital Officer at Hemisphere Leo Burnett
2011
Turn around the digital and CRM business by first slowing down profit decline through a multifaceted transformation of people, process, product, and platforms.
Visit my LinkedIn after the click.
Paul John M. Peña 