MANILA, PHILIPPINES – September 23, 2024 – Grab Philippines has announced a major leadership transition as Ronald Roda steps into the role of Country Head. Roda, previously the Chief Operating Officer of Grab Philippines, will succeed Grace Vera Cruz, who led the company for the past four years. Vera Cruz is moving into a regional position as Head of Regional Corporate Strategy for Grab. This leadership progression is part of Grab’s strategic commitment to nurturing local talent and highlights the strength of Filipino leadership within the organization.
Ronald Roda brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as the head of the GrabCar business for over six years. During his tenure, Grab expanded its services from just eight cities to over 200 across the Philippines, making its services accessible to millions more Filipinos. His leadership was instrumental in navigating the challenges of the pandemic, particularly when the GrabCar business was temporarily shut down. Roda successfully adapted the business to offer more reliable and affordable services post-pandemic. Under his guidance, Grab has created over 72,000 livelihood opportunities in the first half of 2024 alone, bringing the total to more than 270,000 since 2023. This is part of Grab’s broader commitment to the Philippine government to create 500,000 livelihood opportunities over the next five years.
In his new role, Roda expressed excitement about continuing the work initiated under Vera Cruz’s leadership. “I am honored to take on the role of Country Head for Grab Philippines, and I am committed to building on the strong relationships and foundation Grace has established,” Roda said. “My focus will be on making Grab a true partner for growth, providing innovative solutions that benefit Filipinos across the country. Together, we will work to enhance the quality of life for our consumers and driver-partners while creating pathways for success for MSMEs and corporate partners. Our goal is to ensure that Grab remains a vital contributor to the Philippines’ socio-economic development.”
Grace Vera Cruz, now transitioning into a regional role, will continue to be based in the Philippines to ensure a smooth transition and operational continuity. Her presence in the country reflects her ongoing commitment to supporting the local market and strengthening Grab’s long-standing partnerships. “I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and trust of our partners and stakeholders during my time as Country Head,” Vera Cruz said. “As I move into my new role, I am filled with optimism for the future of Grab Philippines under Ronald’s leadership. His deep understanding of the industry and commitment to the business make him the ideal leader for this next chapter. I encourage everyone to extend him the same support and trust that you’ve shown me.”
The leadership changes at Grab Philippines underscore the company’s dedication to driving growth and innovation in the country while creating opportunities that uplift the lives of Filipinos. As Grab continues to evolve, both Roda and Vera Cruz will play critical roles in shaping its future, both in the Philippines and across the region.
