Uber hires Google's Ann Lavin

• Responsible for working with government, policy makers and third parties
• To create a favourable environment for ridesharing and other innovations in mobility

UBER appoints Ann Lavin (pic) as senior director of Public Policy & Government Relations, Asia Pacific.

As a key member of Uber’s regional leadership team, Lavin is responsible for working with government, policy makers and third parties to create a positive case for change, and a favourable environment for ridesharing and other innovations in mobility, across the Asia Pacific region.

“I’m incredibly excited for Ann to join Uber and lead our policy efforts in one of our fastest growing and highest potential regions. Ann brings tremendous technical expertise encompassing over two decades of advocating for positive change, economic opportunity and innovation; and her appointment reinforces our commitment to partnering with government and investing in communities, as we deepen our overall investment in Asia,” says Jill Hazelbaker, senior vice president of Policy & Communications.

Lavin joins Uber from Google, where she led policy efforts across Greater China, Southeast Asia and emerging markets, encompassing economic empowerment, content regulation, geopolitics, privacy, and general technology policy.

Previously Lavin was a senior advisor at McLarty Associates, and the vice president of the US-Asean Business Council, the principal US business organisation in Southeast Asia, in addition to various roles in the US Government at the US Department of Energy, and the Presidentʼs Commission on White House Fellowships.

Commenting on her appointment, Lavin said: “I am thrilled to join Uber in the dynamic Asia-Pacific region. Everyday Uber helps millions of people lead better lives. It’s exciting to be working with Uber to make positive change happen, and to be partnering with governments and communities to drive innovation and opportunities that will allow Uber to meet the needs of millions more.”

“With her deep ties to Asia, extensive network of relationships and unique insights into how businesses can thrive in some of the most challenging operating environments in the world, I am confident she is well placed to drive a new era of engagement that can unlock the true potential of every city where we operate,” says Hazelbaker.