Maritess De Ocampo

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Eric and Cheryl Lee

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782741653311Anthem Store Lead Photo.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>At the dinner table, Eric Lee tends to integrate shop talk with family bonding. He leads the charge as chairman of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anthemgroupph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Anthem Group</a>, working side by side with his wife and CEO, Cheryl. “The biggest advantage is absolute, unwavering trust. You never have to wonder if your business partner has your back when she’s also the person that you’re raising four kids with.”</p><p>The pair is a living example of yin and yang. They are also the quintessential vision of two peas in a pod. “We complement each other. Whatever I lack, that’s her strength and vice versa. But at the end of the day, we share the same vision which makes celebrating the wins so much sweeter.” The challenge, he confesses, lies in learning how to separate work from home life. “Sometimes dinner conversations turn into long business conversations. The best ideas come out of these conversations late at night or during a car ride or while getting ready for work.”</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:615px;display:block" width="615"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782738045257Eric &amp; Cheryl Lee_1.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:615px" width="615"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Cheryl and Eric Lee, CEO and Chairman of Anthem Group</em></span></span></span></div><div><strong>An Evolving Leadership</strong></div><p>One of the earliest and most pivotal ideas hatched by the couple was in 2006 when they opened their first ever multi-brand store, Anthem, at the Powerplant Mall. From operating one shop, the company has since grown to become one of the leading retail groups in the country. Over the course of two decades, Eric has been steering the steady growth and expansion of the Anthem Group. And today, the company counts fashion and lifestyle brands like 7 For All Mankind, Soludos, Ben Sherman, Nautica, Original Penguin, Perry Ellis, Thomas Sabo, Champion, and Beyond the Vines, in their portfolio. </p><p>He details the thought process that goes into building their portfolio. “First, it has to have a great heritage story,” Eric says. Instead of being swayed by what’s trending or popular at the moment, they also consider quality and workmanship. “But beyond that we look for alignment in values. A brand could be incredibly popular globally, but if its philosophy doesn’t resonate with the personality and lifestyle of the Filipino consumer, it won’t work. The local market is highly discerning. They appreciate global standards, but look for connections that feel personal and authentic. We look for brands that offer both.” </p><p>When Anthem’s journey was at its early stages, the retail scene was heavily dependent on brick-and-mortar spaces. “E-commerce was non-existent in the country,” the chairman recounts. “My leadership has had to evolve from being very hands-on with every single operational detail to becoming an enabler of change in the organization.” Recognizing that the digital space operates at a much faster pace, Eric has made it a point to embrace change at lightning speed. “I encourage my team to do the same.”</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:496px;display:block" width="496"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782738605874Cheryl and Eric_Penguin.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:496px" width="496"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Eric and Cheryl are at the helm of Anthem Group, with over 100 retail doors across the Philippines</em></span></span></span></div><p>Despite the conveniences and drastic shifts brought about by technology, Eric remains committed to upholding the “soul of retail.” He elaborates: “Whether a customer buys a piece of clothing online or in one of our 100 plus doors, they will still want to feel seen and valued. My role is to ensure that our team has the tools to innovate without losing that personal touch.” </p><p>Years dedicated to growing Anthem have also shaped a new perspective on success. It is no longer as much about expansion and hitting sales targets as it is about resonance, relevance, and impact. Eric reflects, “Can I look at our hundreds of employees and rest in knowing that their families are secure and thriving because of Anthem? When I look at the millions of customers we have served, can I say that we have made them feel more inspired and confident through our brands and merchandise? That, for me, is success.” </p><div><strong>Fatherhood&#x27;s Impact on Leadership Style</strong></div><p>Fatherhood, according to Ericsson, has taught him to think longer term. In raising four children–Morgan, Zachary, Summer, and Santi–he has also developed a leadership style rooted in empathy and foresight. “It shifts focus from the immediate to the long-term future,” he furthers. “When I look at an employee, I don’t just see a staff member. I see someone’s son or daughter who is full of potential.”</p><p>At Anthem employee welfare always prevails. Without sacrificing quality and global standards, Eric takes pride in cultivating a culture of generosity, openness and mutual respect. “I want the team to feel comfortable about bringing their authentic selves to work. I emphasize hard work but paired with a good sense of humor. Retail can be high pressure and if you can laugh  through the challenges, it’s easy to burn out. At Anthem, everyone’s contribution matters. We win as a team. This is exactly the kind of company or space that I would want my children to work in one day.”  </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:517px;display:block" width="517"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782738381014Eric, Cheryl, and Kids.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:517px" width="517"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Eric and Cheryl with kids Morgan, Zachary, Summer, and Santi </em></span></span></span></div><p>The retail company is a family business in many respects. Employees are treated as kin. Despite their young age, Eric and Cheryl’s children are also regulars in the work space. “Early on, we decided that we need to let the kids experience what we experience at work. We try to immerse them in the business as much as we can. We bring them to the office, to the malls, and stores abroad. We even bring them to brand meetings in New York.” For the founder and family head, any chance to be together, whether it be for business or connecting with their Taiwanese roots, is opportunity to carve out family time. “Whether it’s a family trip, or just sitting down together on a Sunday, those moments are anchored in my calendar just as firmly as any business meeting.” </p><div><strong>A Testament to Integrity and Excellence</strong></div><p>As a founder, leader, husband, and father, Eric has a clear vision of the legacy he wishes to create. The work he does at Anthem is a continuous testament to the brand of integrity and excellence he hopes to leave with the local retail industry. “You can build a thriving retail empire while keeping value intact and putting people first,” he emphasizes. </p><p>More than a business to be passed on, Anthem is a breathing and evolving reminder that service for others supersedes personal success. Eric ends, “I want my children to understand that the world is full of opportunities, and they should explore it with courage. No matter how far they go, I want them to always carry a deep appreciation for their heritage and roots. I want them to know that true legacy isn&#x27;t built in brick and mortar, but in how well you love and serve the people around you.”</p>

<p>According to Eric Lee, Chairman of the Anthem Group, growing a retail portfolio is a lot like raising a family. It demands love, patience, dedication, and foresight.</p>

According to Eric Lee, Chairman of the Anthem Group, growing a retail portfolio is a lot like raising a family. It demands love, patience, dedication, and foresight.

Anthem Group's Eric Lee brings soul to retail

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Anthem Group's Eric Lee brings soul to retail

Bianca Salonga

Published June 29, 2026 10:03 PM PHT

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Updated June 29, 2026 10:39 PM PHT

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Anthem

Anthem Group

Eric Lee

Leadership Profile

Parenting

Fatherhood

Work And Life

Retail Industry

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