Uber's chief of communications is the latest to leave the company

Another day, another Uber resignation.
 By 
Liza Hearon
 on 
Uber's chief of communications is the latest to leave the company
Rachel Whetstone (during her time at Google), on Feb. 20, 2015. Credit: Ben Margot/AP/REX/Shutterstock

Another day, another Uber executive leaving the company.

This time it's Rachel Whetstone, head of communications and policy.

In an email to staff, CEO Travis Kalanick sang Whetsone's praises and indicated that the departure was amicable: “Since joining in 2015, Rachel has blown us all away with her ability to get stuff done. She is a force of nature, an extraordinary talent and an amazing player-coach who has built a first-class organization.”

Whetstone echoed Kalanick's upbeat tone in her statement sent by Uber: “I am incredibly proud of the team that we’ve built—and that just as when I left Google, a strong and brilliant woman will be taking my place. I joined Uber because I love the product—and that love is as strong today as it was when I booked my very first ride six years ago.”

Whetstone will be replaced by her deputy Jill Hazelbaker.

Litany of scandals

While the statements are full of peace and love, it's hard not to be struck by the departure of yet another high-profile Uber executive.

Uber has been dogged by scandals in recent months. To recap: there was the former employee Susan Fowler who described sexism in the company in a blogpost that rocked social media; Kalanick joined then left Donald Trump's economic advisory council; stories of Uber executives at an escort-karaoke bar in South Korea; and Uber President Jeff Jones resigned in March. The company even has a special hashtag, #DeleteUber, dedicated to it on social media, consolidating anti-Uber sentiment.

Reason for leaving

Recode reports that Whetstone's reasons for leaving Uber are multi-faceted. She was apparently fed up of "drama," having worked at Google for 10 years previously. In an email to staff she reportedly said these type of "always-on" jobs are exciting but exhausting.

Recode also reports tensions between her and Kalanick as some investors had blamed bad press for the troubles at the company.

But Kalanick's message points out their friendly relationship. He attached a photo of them hiking together and wrote, "I am looking forward to having her as an advisor for years to come. With many more long hikes along the Skyline Trail,” reports the BBC .

Whatever the real reason behind this latest exit, Hazelbaker has a tough job ahead of her.

Topics Uber

Mashable Image
Liza Hearon

Liza Hearon was the Deputy Editor for Mashable UK. Liza started her career in journalism writing about punk bands for a 'zine in Florida, and her wanderlust has led her to work for news organisations in Russia, Japan and now London. Prior to joining Mashable, she was the European homepage editor for the Wall Street Journal. Liza loves podcasts, karaoke and really, really spicy food.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Uber found liable in precedent-setting sexual assault case
A hand holding a phone in front of a car with an Uber window sticker.

Uber expands options for drivers, riders to opt out of men
The Uber app icon on a green phone background.

Huge shakeup at Xbox as CEO and president both leave
Xbox Series X console and controller

The latest Gen Z vs. millennial debate is the space above your head
gen z and millennial looking directly into iphone camera on tiktok

The best last-minute Valentine's Day gift? Discounted gift cards at Amazon
Gift cards against a colorful background.

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!