Former Facebook Vietnam exec takes over Go-Viet reins

Trang, formerly country director of Facebook’s operations in Vietnam, said that her new job was unique and interesting.

"I’ve seen how the success of Go-Jek’s multi-service platform has transformed the lives of so many people in Indonesia and want to see the same happen in Vietnam," she said in a statement issued Monday by Go-Viet, an affiliate of Indonesia's Go-Jek.

"I can’t think of a more exciting thing to work on in the technology world right now," said Trang, also known as Christy Le.

Go-Viet said that Trang’s appointment is in alignment with the company’s goal to further strengthen its operations, and demonstrates the importance of the Vietnam market for Indonesian company Go-Jek, as this is its first expansion in Southeast Asia.

Andrew Lee, Go-Jek’s head of international operations, said that Trang was an ideal candidate for the job.

"Christy Le has the perfect combination of deep experience in big tech, as well as an understanding of Vietnam and a desire to improve life for people in the country," Lee said.

Trang’s successful entrepreneur experience makes her "the ideal person to take Go-Viet forward as we look to sustain the phenomenal growth the company has had so far," he added.

Trang became the director of Facebook’s operations in Vietnam in March last year and resigned from the position in December, citing "family reasons."

The appointment of Trang follows the simultaneous resignations last month of former Go-Viet general director Nguyen Vu Duc and deputy general director Nguyen Bao Linh.

Their resignation came amidst increasing competition in Vietnam’s ride-hailing market, with current leader Grab on an expansion spree and new players like Be Group fighting hard for a bigger share of the pie.

Go-Viet, an affiliate of Indonesian Go-Jek Group, has said it has completed millions of trips since it was launched in September last year. The company offers transport and food delivery services.