Uber names ex-Googler in senior post

Uber Technologies Inc. today announced the appointment of Ann Lavin as its new Asia-Pacific Public Policy and Government Relations senior director.

Lavin will be responsible for working with governments in the region which includes the fast growing economies of Malaysia and Vietnam, and regulatory-ridden economies like Singapore and Japan.

"Ann brings tremendous technical expertise encompassing over two decades of advocating for positive change," said Uber Policy and Communications senior vice president, Jill Hazelbaker. "Her appointment reinforces our commitment to partnering with Government'​s​ as we deepen our overall investment in Asia."

EX-GOOGLER-TURN-UBER

Before joining Uber, Lavin led Google's Public Policy efforts across Greater China, Southeast Asia and other Asian aspiring economies. She was also a senior adviser with McLarty Associates, a US-based strategic advisory firm, and vice president of the US-ASEAN Business Council, the principal US business organisation in Southeast Asia.

Earlier in her career, Lavin worked in the US Government in a variety of roles including a senior manager at the US Department of Energy and the Presidentʼs Commission on White House Fellowships.

Commenting on her appointment, Lavin said, "It's exciting to be working with Uber to make positive change happen, and to be partnering with governments and communities."

MORE PARTNERSHIPS SOON

Meanwhile, Uber Asia-Pacific chief business officer, Brooks Entwistle, said partnerships are at the heart of Uber's largest growth opportunities in Asia.

"Uber is focused on ensuring we work closely with Governments, policy makers and third parties," he said, adding that the company will strike with more partners soon.