Grabbing key opportunities for one of PH’s most popular apps

Grace Vera Cruz

Grab Philippines country head Grace Vera Cruz is leading one of the country’s widely used super apps. The digital platform has been integrated into the lives of Filipinos who want to make commuting and ordering food and groceries, among others, more convenient.

She stepped into the role in October 2020 amid the pandemic. The crisis threw a wrench into Grab’s operations, whose main business relies mainly on mobility.

But with Vera Cruz and her team at the helm, Grab has slowly recovered. She has been leading the onboarding of more partner-drivers since the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, providing livelihood to many Filipinos.

Noting the need for Grab’s services in the provinces, Vera Cruz helped the app expand outside Metro Manila, making sure the company was always in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for more transportation network vehicle service slots.

Vera Cruz also oversaw Grab’s bold entry into the motorcycle taxi business through the acquisition of Move It back in 2022. Both companies have been working hand-in-hand to provide alternative mobility options to Filipinos.

Mobility, however, is just one aspect of Grab’s business. Vera Cruz also oversees the food delivery segment, which has seen tremendous growth since the pandemic.

More than growing the business, Vera Cruz makes sure all stakeholders are being taken care of. The company has put in place measures to ensure fair compensation for delivery partners, including health benefits and other forms of support.

“Together, we will continue leveraging our technology and market leadership, and our deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of our kababayans, to create transformative impact in their lives and build a stronger, more resilient digital-first economy for generations to come,” said Vera Cruz.

Prior to joining Grab, Vera Cruz was managing director of Seawood Resources. She also held key positions in McKinsey & Co., CLSA Exchange Capital and Shell. She obtained her degree in business economics at the University of the Philippines. INQ