Manila, Philippines – Grab in the Philippines has announced the appointment of Ronald Roda, most recently the company’s chief operating officer, as its new country manager. He replaces Grace Vera Cruz as she takes on a regional role as head of regional corporate strategy.
In his previous role, Roda led the GrabCar business for over six years. Under his leadership, Grab expanded its reach from 8 cities to over 200 cities in the Philippines since 2018, making Grab’s services accessible to millions more Filipinos.
Moreover, during the pandemic, when the GrabCar business was temporarily shut down, he adapted swiftly to sustain business operations and transforming it into a more reliable and affordable service post-pandemic.
Meanwhile, Cruz will continue to be based in the Philippines in her regional capacity, to ensure a smooth transition and operational continuity. Her ongoing presence signifies her continued commitment to supporting the Philippine market and strengthening Grab’s long-standing partnerships.
Speaking on his new role, Roda said, “I am honoured 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. My goal is to continue making Grab a true partner for growth, providing innovative solutions that benefit Filipinos across the nation.”
He added, “Together, we will further enhance the quality of life for our consumers and driver-partners, and strengthen the pathways for success for our MSMEs and corporate partners, ensuring that Grab remains a vital contributor to the Philippines’ socio-economic development.”
Meanwhile, Cruz commented, “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. 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.”
She added, “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.”
