Uber’s global CMO, Rebecca Messina (feature image), is set to leave the ridesharing company after just nine months in the role.
And, according to Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, her role will no longer exist.
The company’s chief operating officer Barney Harford is also exiting the organisation, Khosrowshahi revealed in an email to staff that was first reported by CNBC.
Moving forward, Uber will combine its marketing, communications and policy teams under the leadership of Jill Hazelbaker, who is currently the senior vice-president of communications and public policy.
Khosrowshahi told staff in the email he had made the decision because it was “increasingly clear that it’s crucial for us to have a consistent, unified narrative to consumers, partners, the press and policymakers”.
He also added he agreed with Messina that it “makes sense” for her to move on.
He wrote in the email: “In Rebecca’s time here, she stood up our first global marketing organisation and helped showcase the best aspects of our brand during our IPO.
“I’m so grateful for her energy and enthusiasm over the past nine months and I wish her all the best.” Uber’s core business units will now report directly to Khosrowshahi, meaning the chief operating officer role will also cease to exist.
“The restructure follows May’s initial public offering, which was widely considered to be a failure, when Uber’s share price quickly fell 10 per cent. It has since recovered and is slightly above the initial price.”
