Uber Rival Ola has hired the former Chief Operating Officer of Google Europe to run its UK operation

Uber's latest UK challenger, Ola is the market leader in India's ride-hailing market with a service including taxis, luxury cars and even rickshaws. It is set to launch in South Wales and Manchester later this year.

Both Legg's technical and business credentials will serve Ola well when it comes to competitive strategies in the evolved British transportation market. 

Before embarking on a corporate career, Legg was a Captain in the British Army’s Royal Engineers for 10 years.

He joins from digital advertising company AdParlor.

Can’t wait for TfL to licence London’s electric rickshaws and then see them operate under the Uber or Ola banner. 

The Lycra clad happy clappers will lap up the zero emission reichshaw bikes which are turning London into a virtual third world City 

TAXI LEAKS EXTRA BIT : 

Indian ride-hailing platform Ola has appointed Ben Legg to lead its British expansion as UK managing director, a position which will see him build a senior leadership team, oversee strategy and manage operations as the business seeks to establish a nationwide presence by the end of the year.

A former chief executive of New York-based global marketing technology firm AdParlor Legg can also draw upon a wealth of experience gleaned from his time as Group CEO of Adknowledge as well as a stint as chief operating officer for Google Europe.

Legg’s elevation comes after Ola was granted licenses to operate in Greater Manchester and South Wales, commencing operations in the latter region over the coming weeks.

Legg said: "I’m excited to be joining Ola as it launches in the UK and brings its compelling ride-hailing services to passengers at their fingertips. Ola is committed to working in partnership with policymakers and regulators in all local markets in the UK, to help ensure that our goals are aligned with theirs.

"As we have shown elsewhere, Ola is focused on ensuring that its services bring benefits to customers and drivers alike. I, for one, don’t own a car and strongly believe that through innovative services like Ola working in conjunction with local authorities we can help to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, improve mobility, and eventually redesign our cities, towns and public spaces for the better."

Rapid expansion in countries such as Australia has seen Ola grow to conduct over one billion rides annually

Source : The Drum, the Telegraph.