Globally, Uber has been under lots of criticism in terms of people management especially on sexual harassments and gender discrimination. Reddy will have a tough task as the new chief people officer for India and South Asia.
Vishpala Reddy, vice-president and head HR, American Express in India will move to Uber as chief people officer for India and South Asia. The appointment is in line with the ridesharing app’s moves to strengthen its leadership bench in India.
Reddy will join Uber this month and help the company’s efforts to position human capital as a key driver in enabling business success.
Globally, Uber has been under lots of criticism in terms of people management especially on sexual harassments and gender discrimination. Even the CEO, Travis Kalanick had to go in June.
Even in India, Uber drivers have had major controversies for misbehaving with passengers and sexual assaults on women passengers. Questions have been raised on Uber’s hiring methodology and verification of its driver.
In such a scenario, it will be task for Reddy to clean up the place and ensure a structured system in place.
According to the official communiqué Reddy will drive Uber India’s diversity and inclusion agenda by developing programmes to foster an equal opportunity workplace. She will also focus on building a dynamic workplace that attracts the best talent, strengthening the leadership capability and enabling innovative people practices to support the growing workforce needs.
Reddy, who started her career with Cognizant Technologies, later worked as senior consultant with Hewitt Associates, extensively in the area of performance and rewards.
Out of her 17 years of professional life, Reddy has spent 12 years at American Express. She has played a critical role in driving the transformation of the India business, and introduced proactive measures and programmes that helped position Amex as an employer of choice. Known for her passion to lead innovative and sustainable HR practices with measurable impact, Reddy has been honoured with external recognition for her contributions and for being a thought leader.
Reddy says, “I will be a part of the Company’s vision to redefine urban mobility and drive transformative growth in India and South Asia. In my new role, I look forward to building a forward looking, sustainable and people-focussed organisation and having the opportunity to work alongside a highly talented workforce.”
Reddy played an active role as a board member of the national executive board of NHRDN (National HR Development Network) 2016–17 and has also led their Young Minds Advisory Board. Known to champion various diversity and inclusion initiatives, she actively advocates the development of women leaders from various walks of life.