Re/Code is reporting that Google’s SVP of Communications and Policy Rachel Whetstone is leaving for a similar role at Uber. She’ll reportedly be taking over for former Obama campaign manager and strategist David Plouffe who was hired by Uber to deal with various crises roughly a year ago.
Plouffe will remain with Uber in an advisory capacity. Google has independently confirmed to us that Whetstone is indeed leaving but declined to elaborate beyond that.
According to the Re/Code article Jessica Powell will be (perhaps temporarily) stepping into Whetstone’s communications leadership role at Google.
Whetstone, the author of the recent “Really Rupert?” post with the infamous laughing baby .gif, will move from battling Google’s European critics to battling domestic and European opponents of Uber.
Uber has faced some setbacks in the US. However the effort to block Uber in Europe and elsewhere outside the US is much more organized and determined.
Beyond her skills, it’s probably not a coincidence that Whetstone is a woman. The company has been accused of having an ethically challenged, sexist culture. Plouffe was hired to combat those perceptions and help rein in executive missteps as well as deal with hostile municipalities.
Uber is clearly on the road toward an IPO, with a massive new $50 billion valuation. The ride sharing company still faces various obstacles and rough terrain, however, before it can reach its final Wall Street destination.
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