Uber Names Public Policy Advisory Group Leaders

Uber announced yesterday (May 4) that it has officially kicked off its first Public Policy Advisory Board meeting in order to help guide the company through its market expansion — all the while, facing regulatory pressures abroad and at home.

Uber is currently in 70 countries, but that expansion has been less than smooth — including the latest $100 million labor lawsuit in San Francisco. But the hope is that, with its new policy board, the expansion plans for Uber will be received in a more positive light.

“We had vibrant discussions about every aspect of our business and the unique challenges and opportunities Uber faces around the world. We’re already benefitting greatly from the wisdom and savvy of our board members,” David Plouffe, chief advisor and member of the board of directors, wrote in a blog post on Medium.

The members of the policy board include:

Melody Barnes: Vice Provost for Global Student Leadership Initiatives at New York University and former Director of the Domestic Policy Council at the White House

Roberto Daniño: Former Prime Minister of Peru

Dr. Allan Fels: Professor at Melbourne, Monash and Oxford Universities and former Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

Neelie Kroes: Netherlands Special Envoy for Startups and former Vice President of the European Commission

Ray LaHood: Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation

Dr. Gesner Oliveira: Former President of the Brazilian Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE)

Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud: Founder and CEO, Alf Khair

Adil Zainulbhai: Chairman of the Quality Council of India and former Chairman of McKinsey India

“Longer term, we’re optimistic that apps like Uber can offer a real alternative to individual car ownership and usage, whether you’re in San Diego or Shenzhen. After all, if you can press a button and get an affordable, stress-free ride across town in minutes, you’ll use your car less and maybe move away from car ownership altogether,” Plouffe wrote.