Grab Philippines on Thursday, October 15, said it has named Grace Vera Cruz as its new country head, months after Brian Cu resigned.

Vera Cruz takes over the ride-hailing giant effective Thursday.

She was the managing director of Seawood Resources before joining Grab in October.

Seawood is the parent company of Strong Oak, which had acquired shares in listed Alliance Select Foods International in 2014. Vera Cruz was a board member of the latter.

Vera Cruz also worked with management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, investments firm CLSA Exchange Capital, and oil giant Shell.

She acquired her undergraduate degree in business economics from the University of the Philippines. She pursued a masteral degree in business administration, focusing on finance, at the London Business School.

Grab said Vera Cruz will focus on “creating deeper synergies” among its wide array of services.

“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.

Grab entered the Philippine market in 2013 as GrabTaxi – the first foreign destination for the Singapore-based start-up.

Now, Grab operates in 18 Philippine cities for its ride-hailing, food and package delivery, and financial services, among others. – Rappler.com