As Uber embarks upon its long road to recovery from a series of reputational scandals over the last 12 months, women members of the company’s executive have stepped up to assure consumers, investors and the media that major cultural changes are on the horizon for the embattled company. With an internal diversity report due for imminent release, company director and media mogul Arianna Huffington took front and centre this week to start salvaging the company’s reputation.

‘Zero tolerance’ from now on

‘There is a real appetite to change internally,’ said Ms Huffington, who stepped in last month to lead an internal investigation into allegations of systemic sexism and sexual harassment at Uber. ‘Creating a great culture will be key to the future success and, going forward, there can be no room at Uber for brilliant jerks and zero tolerance for anything other than totally respectful behaviour.’ Ms Huffington, who is the company’s only female board member, made her comments alongside chief HR officer Liane Hornsey, US and Canada business head Rachel Holt and public relations boss Rachel Whetstone – three other women in Uber’s male-dominated leadership lineup.

Domino scandals

Over the last several months, Uber has been hit left, right and centre with a series of public upsets that have threatened to malign the ride-sharing company’s brand. Aside from the allegations of sexism and sexual harassment, which were published online by a former Uber engineer, the company has faced an IP lawsuit from Google autonomous car unit Waymo, ongoing tussles with regulators about its own self-driving unit, and a string of high-profile exits from the company.

‘Toxic’ culture

Among those who have already departed are president of ride hailing Jeff Jones, president of product and growth Ed Baker, mapping software executive Brian McClendon and self-driving car leader Raffi Krikorian. Early investors such as Mitch and Freada Kapor Klein have spoken out publicly against the company’s ‘toxic’ culture, while Mr Jones’ comment to the press as he announced his departure from Uber was equally scathing if slightly subtler: ‘It is now clear,’ he said, ‘that he belief and approach to leadership that have guided my career are inconsistent with what I saw and experienced at Uber.’

Sources: The Australian; Financial Times