Grace Vera Cruz, Grab Philippines’ new country head
The Philippine office of ride-hailing app, Grab, announced the appointment of its new country head.
In a statement, Grab said Grace Vera Cruz is assuming the Country Head post “effective today”.
She replaces Brian Cu, who led the Singapore-based company’s operations in the Philippines since its launching in the country in 2013. He stepped down as country head in August 14 to focus on other business ventures.
Grab said Vera Cruz has a 15 year business experience and vast industry experience to steer the company’s Philippine office.
Prior to Grab, Vera Cruz was the Managing Director of Seawood Resources, a Philippine-based investment company with a global presence, and has held key positions in McKinsey & Co., CLSA Exchange Capital, and Shell.
Grab, which calls itself Southeast Asia’s “leading everyday everything app”, said Vera Cruz will focus on creating deeper synergies across its suite of services, to better serve its customers, and business partners, apart from driving its social impact program ‘Grab for Good’.
“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,” said Vera Cruz.
“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,” said Russell Cohen, Group Managing Director for Grab.
Grab currently serves 18 cities in the Philippines and leads the ride-hailing and on-demand food-delivery app services in the country. It also provides groceries and package delivery, concierge (pabili) services, bill payments, and financial services. Rommel F. Lopez