Obama advisor David Plouffe joins Uber’s ranks as campaign manager
Transport network Uber has bolstered its ranks after creating a new campaign manager position for president Obama advisor David Plouffe.
Plouffe will join the controversial group in September
The taxi-hailing service on Tuesday announced that it will employ the PR man who famously managed president Obama’s winning 2008 campaign.
Plouffe will take up the role of senior vice president of policy and strategy, in September, where he will manage all global policy and political activities, communications, and Uber branding efforts.
Travis Kalanick, CEO and founder of Uber, said: “I will look to him as a strategic partner on all matters as Uber grows around the world. David’s background needs little introduction. He is a proven field general and strategist who built the startup that elected a President.
"I couldn’t be more excited about Uber’s new leader who will be bringing the expertise, wisdom, and strategic mindset to the next phase of the Uber movement, shepherding us well beyond the challenges of the Big Taxi cartel, and into the brave new world of software-powered transportation."
Plouffe said: “I am thrilled to be joining Travis Kalanick and the great team at Uber. As Uber succeeds like I believe it can, it will spur the creation of hundreds of thousands of small businesses and directly create millions of jobs.
“It will deliver rapid, easy and affordable transportation alternatives to workers, parents, businesses and people out having a good time; make our roads safer, drastically cutting down on drunk and distracted driving; and give those who choose not to purchase an automobile a more viable way to live their lives day to day.”
This comes after London cabbies earlier this year complained that the app put customers in danger and undermined taxi drivers.