Grab appoints Roda as new helm for PH market

Ronald Roda is now leading Grab Philippines, succeeding Grace Vera Cruz, who also went up to a higher position.

In a statement, the company said that the organizational changes Grab is part of its commitment to nurture talent and shows the “depth of Filipino leadership in the organization.”

Roda qualifications

Before serving under his new role, Roda was Grab Philippines’ chief operating officer and was able to lead the GrabCar business for nearly a decade. 

Grab noted that it was during his prior position that he was able to help Grab expand its reach from eight to more than 200 cities in the Philippines.

Additionally, the firm stated that Roda was able to transform the Grabcar into a more reliable and affordable service post-pandemic after being temporarily halted due to numerous challenges.

He also played a vital role in creating over 72,000 livelihood opportunities in the first half of 2024, bringing the total to over 270,000 since 2023. Such an initiative is part of Grab’s commitment to the Philippine government of creating 500,000 livelihood opportunities over the next five years.

“I am honored to take on the role of Country Head for Grab Philippines, and I am committed to continuing the great work and building on the strong relationships established under Grace’s leadership,” Roda said.

“My goal is to continue making Grab a true partner for growth, providing innovative solutions that benefit Filipinos across the nation. Together, we will further enhance the quality of life for our consumers and driver-partners, and strengthen the pathways for success for our MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) and corporate partners, ensuring that Grab remains a vital contributor to the Philippines’ socio-economic development,” he added.

Vera Cruz's next step

On the other hand, Vera Cruz (who steered Grab Philippines for the last four years) now serves as Head of Regional Corporate Strategy.

In her regional capacity, Vera Cruz will still be headquartered in the Philippines to ensure a smooth transition and operational continuity. 

According to Grab, her ongoing presence signifies her “continued commitment to supporting the Philippine market and strengthening Grab’s long-standing partnerships.”

“I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support, collaboration, trust, and openness from all our partners and stakeholders who have believed in Grab’s success during my tenure,” Vera Cru stated. 

“Reflecting on the commitment I made when I joined Grab, I am proud of the strides we have made together to drive innovation, enhance services, and uplift the lives of Filipinos. As I transition to my new regional role, I am filled with confidence, optimism, and excitement for Grab Philippines and our new Country Head. Ronald’s dedication and deep understanding of the industry make him the perfect leader for this next chapter. I encourage everyone to extend to him the same level of support and trust that you have generously given me as we continue our journey to drive growth and success for Grab and the Filipino community,” she ended.

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