MANILA—Grab Philippines (Grab) announced the appointment of Ronald Roda as its new country head, taking over from Grace Vera Cruz who has transitioned to a regional role within the company.
According to Philippines News Agency, Grab issued a statement on Monday revealing that Roda, who previously served as the chief operating officer and head of GrabCar, will replace Grace Vera Cruz. Vera Cruz, after a four-year tenure as country head, will now oversee regional corporate strategy. The company described this leadership change as a strategic move to nurture internal talent and showcase Filipino leadership within the organization.
Roda has been instrumental in significantly expanding Grab’s operational reach in the Philippines. Under his leadership, Grab’s services grew from covering eight cities to more than 200 since 2018, thereby increasing accessibility for millions of Filipinos. Additionally, he played a crucial role during the pandemic when GrabCar services were suspended, by aiding the company in adapting its business model and creating 72,000 new livelihood opportunities in the first half of 2024 alone, bringing the total to 270,000 since 2023.
“I am honored to take on the role of country head for Grab, and I am committed to continuing the great work and building on the strong relationships established under Grace’s leadership,” Roda stated.
Grace Vera Cruz will remain based in the Philippines in her new role to ensure a smooth transition and maintain operational continuity. Her continued presence emphasizes her dedication to supporting the Philippine market and reinforcing Grab’s long-term partnerships in the region.