Uber and Uber Eats bring in new leaders as global shake-up reaches Australia

Uber has promoted two new bosses for its ridesharing and food delivery businesses in Australia, as the company looks to rebuild its reputation after a year bedevilled by global scandal and heightened local concern about the working conditions of its drivers.

The elevation of Susan Anderson and Jodie Auster to Australia/New Zealand general manager for Uber and Uber Eats respectively follows Dara Khosrowshahi taking the wheel of Uber globally last September.

The former Expedia boss replaced Uber's co-founder, Travis Kalanick, whom investors ousted for corporate governance failures like the cover-up of a major cyber-hack, and tolerance of a culture rife with bullying and sexual misconduct.

Having both joined Uber in late 2016, in time for its annus horribilus, Ms Anderson and Ms Auster told The Australian Financial Review they were keen to recast the $60 billion giant's image into one of "respected community contributors."

Their missions include boosting the hourly pay of their drivers, which currently average half the minimum wage, working with city planners to reduce traffic congestion, helping restaurants maximise the return on their sunk costs, and making the Australian offices more '"inclusive" workplaces. Read more

Michael Bailey - Financial Review - 16 Apr 2018