Grab names new Philippines country head

MANILA, Philippines — Grab Philippines announced yesterday the appointment of Grace Vera Cruz as the company’s new country head.

Grab said Vera Cruz is bringing in over 15 years of business experience and vast industry knowledge to drive the company’s mission in the country.

Vera Cruz is expected to focus on creating deeper synergies across Grab’s suite of services that include on-demand transport, food and mart deliveries, e-payments and financial services to better serve customers, driver-partners, merchant-partners, and corporate partners in the country.

Grab said she would also drive the firm’s initiatives to contribute to the Philippines’ longer-term socio-economic development.

“I am proud to be joining Grab Philippines, a company that has made a conscious effort to help our communities respond to the COVID-19 pandemic through GrabBayanihan. I look forward to working with the team to leverage Grab’s technology and innovation to help Filipino communities safely and sustainably recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Vera Cruz said.

Prior to Grab, Vera Cruz was the managing director of Seawood Resources, a Philippine-based investment company with a global footprint, and has held key positions in McKinsey & Co., CLSA Exchange Capital, and Shell.

“Working together and helping each other to overcome crisis is a hallmark of what it means to be Filipino, and I’m proud that Grab is part of the bigger community that’s helping to improve livelihoods. With Grace’s proven credentials in leadership, operations, and strategy, I’m confident she brings deep expertise and understanding, to help drivers and small businesses use digital services to grow, and support the Philippines in its economic recovery,” Grab group managing director Russell Cohen said.

Grab currently serves 18 cities throughout the country.

Aside from being a ride-hailing and on-demand food-delivery app, it also provides groceries and package delivery, concierge services, bill payments and financial services.