Maritess De Ocampo

Hans Yao President & CEO Washington Group & Adrenaline Corp.

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<p>Bridging rich heritage with modern innovation, especially in the competitive world of <em>haute horlogerie</em> and prestige fashion, is no easy feat. Yet, for Hans Clifford Yao—President and CEO of the Washington Group and Adrenaline Corporation—balancing a respect for legacy with a drive for new trends is a challenge he ingeniously navigates.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786707224530Hans Yao Landscape.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Hans Yao, President and CEO of the Washington Group and Adrenaline Corporation </em></span></span></span></div><p>Overseeing distinctive names like Rolex, Tudor, and Porsche Design, alongside their newer entrants into the Philippine market, the executive believes that adaptability is crucial for success. “Have an open mind and always be open to new learnings,” Hans tells ABS-CBN Lifestyle, highlighting the importance of fostering a teachable mindset especially for today’s professionals. “The pace of innovation over the past decade trumps the pace of progress experienced by business leaders of the previous generation…Be aware of changes that are happening in the industry here and abroad, whether positive or negative.”</p><p>This insight runs parallel to their own company’s history and experience. The Washington Watch Group we know today, full of beautiful timepieces and glistening shopfronts, started as a modest restaurant and apparel shop in the heart of post-war Chinatown. Now boasting dozens of boutiques across the country’s premier malls and representing a portfolio of world-class brands, the company’s evolution has been steady over the last few decades. And yet as Hans notes, could be set for even more developments in the coming years.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786707293631Rolex.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Nevertheless, Hans has no intention of resting on their laurels, maintaining that continuous learning is vital, whatever business you may be in. “The methods, strategies or processes that made you successful on the earlier stages of your business, may not necessarily be the same ones that will propel you further in the future,” he remarks. “Business is a constant journey in innovation—you need to constantly update and refine the way you do business to keep up with the changes in the business environment.”</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people-culture-events/2026/7/9/the-doctor-behind-fino-leatherware-2237" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">RELATED STORY: The doctor behind FINO Leatherware: Dr. Rommel Bautista on building a Filipino heritage brand</a></div><div><strong>From Setbacks to Strategy</strong></div><p>Indeed, this state of constant readiness is what has allowed Hans to thrive in an unpredictable retail landscape. Rather than letting setbacks stall his progress, he has chosen to transform disruptions into catalysts for growth, as exemplified by one such moment that inspired him to pursue higher education. </p><p>“We used to be one of the largest franchisees of Adidas in the Philippines, until the principals decided to take over way back in 2015,” he recalls. It had been a big blow to their company, given that the sportswear giant represented the vast majority of their non-watch portfolio at the time. However, he chose to view this crisis as a calling to embark on a new chapter. “That experience put me at the crossroads—what direction do I take from that point on? Losing the Adidas business was one of the reasons why I decided to go back to school.” </p><p>He set his sights on the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, an experience that sharpened his strategic acumen and modernized his approach to leading operations within the family conglomerate.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786707327571Tudor.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>“At Booth, I learned that decisions cannot simply be made by gut feel alone. I needed to look at the data, run the numbers, and take an objective approach to developing strategies,” he says. Shifting away from sentimentally viewing their ventures as his “babies,” his education forced him to ask the hard questions on whether a business is profitable, and if not, when it might be time to let go. “Moreover, my Chicago Booth experience also ‘globalized’ my approach,&quot; Hans adds. &quot;I was able to professionalize our traditionally run family business by introducing new tools and processes to allow us to scale in the future. This gave me more confidence to look for more brands abroad.” </p><div><strong>On Leadership as Collaboration</strong></div><p>And while getting an MBA did indeed hone his management skills, Hans’ induction into the real world of business started much, much earlier. “When I was 13, I spent one whole summer vacation as a cashier at our Washington Watch store at the now defunct Harrison Plaza Mall,” he shares, reminiscing upon the vacation stint that taught him so much about the nuts and bolts of the trade. “That experience also brought me closer to our store employees, as chatting with them during break times made me understand that entrepreneurs can receive valued feedback about their businesses by simply listening to people on the ground.”</p><p>This early exposure also likely influenced the collaborative leadership model that Hans champions today. “Many of the decisions I make as a leader are decisions I make after close consultation with our various business units and shared service departments,” he notes. While he believes that enterprises need strong and decisive leaders, he emphasizes that the best solutions don’t always have to come from a top-down approach. “My leadership style has always been to allow my managers to formulate their own recommendations on how to solve the various problems we encounter on a daily basis. Whenever there are major issues we need to resolve, we collaborate and discuss the best course of action to take.”</p><p>He likewise reveals that his father was instrumental in exposing him to entrepreneurship early on. “I was made witness to his hard work and perseverance during that summer at the shop. It impressed me that he worked all-around in the shop: from sales, to inventory management, and even handling store maintenance.”</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786707349451Porsche Design.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>With a down-to-earth work ethic instilled at such a young age, coupled with an international mindset, the hardworking executive is keen on keeping the brands under their wing thriving. Top of mind would of course be Rolex, arguably the crown jewel in their portfolio. Washington Watches has been the official retailer of the Swiss luxury timepiece since 1986, and remains committed to upholding the relationship with horological lovers they’ve cultivated over the years. Aside from this, the company curates a collection of over 50 exclusive watch brands, holding true to founder Ariston Yao’s vision of establishing a premier destination where clients can acquire precious timepieces to call their own. </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people-culture-events/2026/8/14/beyond-prestige-lexus-manila-president-carlo-ablaza-on-engineering-peace-of-mind-on-the-road-1829" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">RELATED STORY: Beyond Prestige: Lexus Manila President Carlo Ablaza on engineering peace of mind on the road</a></div><div><strong>Bridging Generations and Global Brands</strong></div><p>Today, the family conglomerate continues to adapt and chart new territory in the premium fashion space. Their brand lineup now includes vibrant designer brand Kenzo, as well as Jacadi Paris, infusing childrenswear with that trademark French <em>je ne sais quoi</em>. Adrenaline Group is likewise about to launch a multi-brand boutique which will carry more luxe threads for mini-mes, from the likes of Chloe and Boss Kids. Hans also helped spearhead the local revival of United Colors of Benetton—a beloved ’90s staple that is now finding fresh resonance with a new generation of style-conscious consumers.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1786707368615Jacadi Paris.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Beyond discovering brands, and building upon those already in the portfolio, Hans is equally committed to earning and maintaining the trust of their global partners. These international counterparts, Hans shares, do appreciate the fresh energy and enthusiasm he brings, and his fervor for planning and executing his strategic vision. “More importantly, I have always demonstrated a deep commitment to ensuring that our company proudly represents each brand in the country,” Hans maintains. “Passion is one of our core values; it is the standard I endeavor to exemplify when dealing with our principals.”</p><div><strong>Tapping Into the Future Generation of Entrepreneurs</strong></div><p>Alongside his executive responsibilities, Hans makes time for another lifelong passion: teaching. He is the Program Director of the Retail Management Program at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business-Center for Continuing Education, where he also serves as a lecturer. </p><p>“Teaching has always been my passion,” he says, sharing that it has also become a vehicle for his own learning. “As much as I enjoy imparting knowledge and sharing my business experiences to my students, I also relish the opportunity to learn from my students. I particularly enjoy classroom discussions when my students openly share their ideas and opinions. These discussions help me understand the mentality of the future generation of entrepreneurs.</p><p>Having devoted many years into his cherished vocation, he looks ahead with immense confidence in the next wave of thinkers. “Having taught several batches of students over the past decade has convinced me that the world will be led by smarter, more grounded, and more selfless leaders in the future,” he says. </p><p>Time has also recalibrated the way the young executive views success. At the beginning of his career, his focus was mostly tethered to revenue and store counts. Nowadays, he’s chosen to equate success more with stability, and being able to make space for things that matter. “When I am able to wake up every morning in whatever time zone across the globe knowing that things in Manila are smooth sailing—this makes me believe that we are doing the right thing. A meaningful life in business is one where all our stakeholders are satisfied.  A meaningful life personally is one where I am able to spend enough time with my family and pursue my personal interests whilst managing my company,” Hans reveals. </p><p>And while the scion of one of the country’s premier watch empires is clearly steering the business in the right direction, he is in no rush to define his legacy. “This is a difficult question to answer for now, as I know that I still have so much more to offer. Ask me again in 20 years,” he quips. </p><p>Given the dynamic nature of modern retail, keeping his options open could actually be a pragmatic and forward-thinking move. For now, Hans is focused on looking ahead, determined on bringing new global opportunities to the Philippines and building upon his family’s enduring legacy.</p>

<p>Washington Group and Adrenaline Corp. President and CEO Hans Yao, shares how lifelong learning, collaborative leadership, and a willingness to evolve are helping him carry his family's time-honored retail legacy into the future.</p>

Washington Group and Adrenaline Corp. President and CEO Hans Yao, shares how lifelong learning, collaborative leadership, and a willingness to evolve are helping him carry his family's time-honored retail legacy into the future.

Meet Hans Yao: The luxury watch scion leading Washington Group and Adrenaline Corp. into the future through lifelong learning

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Meet Hans Yao: The luxury watch scion leading Washington Group and Adrenaline Corp. into the future through lifelong learning

Mariane Perez

Published August 14, 2026 07:37 PM PHT

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Updated August 15, 2026 06:09 PM PHT

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Hans Clifford Yao

Leadership Lessons

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