Uber has officially appointed former Amazon executive, Jamie Heywood, to take leadership in the company’s endeavors in Northern and Eastern European business. Aside from having to find a replacement due to Jo Bertram’s departure from the company, this has been recognized as Uber’s response to their recent legal battle after losing its license to operate in London. The company’s new CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, is adamant that internal changes have been made within the ride-hailing company since critics have pointed out the flaws regarding safety and data security.
The UK’s transportation agency recently chose to decline Uber’s renewal for their operating license in the British nation last September. According to The Drive, the agency cited particular concerns with “Uber policies ranging from background checks to how the company reported crimes committed by its drivers.” Uber has appealed their rejection and will be allowed to continue to operate in London until a final decision has been made in the appeals process.
Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty is Uber’s vice president and regional general manager in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa; he provided the following statement regarding the new hire and how they plan to use his leadership in a positive direction:
“Jamie’s leadership will also be crucial as we implement major changes across Europe including more safety features, improvements for drivers, and a new approach to partnering with cities,” Gore-Coty said.
Uber has made impressive strides since their license ruling last September; they’ve implemented a 24/7 helpline for both riders and rivers, and a policy of proactive reporting to London police officials when suspicious behaviors are reported, according to Reuters. However, the company is also under scrutiny after the recent fatal crash in Arizona last week involving a self-driving car. Investigations are currently ongoing regarding the causes of the incident, and Uber has hired former National Transportation Safety Board chair Christopher Hart to advise on safety protocols since the accident.
