Two senior figures at Uber in the UK have departed to join a European e-scooter start-up.
Berlin-headquartered TIER Mobility is gearing up for its UK launch following the Department for Transport’s move to fast-track trials in the wake of COVID-19. It is engaging with local authorities in formal procurement processes.
Fred Jones, who worked at Uber for more than five years, only became general manager for the UK and Ireland in February, yet he has joined TIER as its UK general manager.
He is joined by Uber’s former UK head of public policy, Benjamin Bell, who has been named head of public policy for Northern Europe. He will spearhead the company’s collaboration with central and local government in the run-up to trials and oversee engagement with other public bodies and partners.
Lawrence Leuschner, CEO and Co-founder, TIER Mobility, said: “Fred and Ben are already leaders in the e-mobility world and, as we expand across Europe, their years of experience at a hugely successful fast growth business will be invaluable.
“We are very happy to have both of them on board as we look to establish ourselves as the leading UK provider of e-scooters.”
TIER has captured over 20% of global market share in its core business of e-scooters since launching in 2018. The firm operates in over 60 cities across nine countries and has more than 40,000 scooters deployed.
Jones said: “We are very much at the dawn of a new era and I believe that the introduction of e-scooters will have a profoundly positive impact on our towns and cities for decades to come.
“To this end, I couldn’t be more excited to join TIER as the company prepares to roll out its unique e-scooter model, which is unrivalled when it comes to safety, sustainability and user experience.”
Bell added: “The arrival of e-scooters was rightly fast-tracked in the wake of Covid-19. By providing safe, green transport for millions of people, they can play a crucial role in getting the UK back to work.
“TIER is already a partner to governments across Europe and we look forward to building lasting relationships in the UK and beyond.”