Rachel Whetstone, head of public policy and communications for Uber, has called it quits after two years at the company.
Her departure follows a series of troubles from the ride-hailing service this year, including:
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A video published showing chief executive Travis Kalanick in a rather heated argument with a driver over the app’s pay rates
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Former Uber president Jeff Jones quitting from his position after only six months
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Amit Singhal, former SVP of engineering, being forced to resign because he failed to disclose to Uber that he left his job at Google due to a sexual harassment allegation
Whetstone formerly worked at Google for 10 years, also in public policy and communications.
The British native has political ties as well; she was appointed Michael Howard’s chief of staff in 2003 when he became Conservative leader. She is also connected to David Cameron and George Osborne.
Jill Hazelbaker will be taking over Whetstone’s position, who worked as her deputy at both Google and Uber.
Whetstone said:
I am incredibly proud of the team that we’ve built – and that just as when I left Google, a strong and brilliant woman will be taking my place. I joined Uber because I love the product – and that love is as strong today as it was when I booked my very first ride six years ago.
The BBC reported that Kalanick wrote an email to staff announcing Whetstone’s departure from the company.
“I am looking forward to having her as an advisor for years to come … with many more long hikes along the Skyline Trail,” he said. A photo of himself and Whetstone on a hiking trip was attached in the email.
