Uber gets Snapchat exec

The ride-hailing firm hires vice president of public policy and communications.

Snapchat Inc.’s vice president of public policy and communications, hired a year ago from Google Inc., is now leaving for the same position at ride-hailing app Uber Technologies Inc.

The hiring of Jill Hazelbaker, confirmed Tuesday, gives fast-growing Uber another political veteran to push back against authorities worldwide deciding what rules the world’s most valuable private technology company must play by. With private-market valuation of more than $50 billion, Uber already has on board former Barack Obama campaign manager David Plouffe and Hazelbaker’s old boss at Google, Rachel Whetstone.

Fast-expanding Uber is dealing with lawsuits in California that could turn its workforce of contract drivers into employees and lead operating costs to skyrocket. Some cities want to ban the car service altogether. And other authorities want to see stricter background checks on drivers and other requirements aimed at protecting consumers.

Snapchat also has had troubles but not of the same magnitude. The entertainment app company with more than 100 million users has drawn scorn from residents in Marina del Rey and Venice, where its headquarters has spread out across several buildings housing several hundred employees. It has also faced scrutiny about security and privacy practices.

Hazelbaker and Uber didn’t respond to requests to comment. But Uber represents a more exciting challenge at this point, a person close to her said. Tech news outlet Re/Code first reported the hiring.

Snapchat has dealt with significant management turnover over the last year, with executives leaving for family reasons or mismatches on culture and strategy.

Hazelbaker held senior positions within the political campaigns of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg before coming to Google. Her responsibilities there included overseeing internal, government and product communications across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Hazelbaker moved to Los Angeles last October to take the Snapchat job. Uber is based in San Francisco.

Snapchat said, “We wish Jill all the best.”

Uber Chief Executive Travis Kalanick said in a statement that he’s excited to work with her.

“She’s an optimistic leader who understands how to campaign, which is so important to Uber’s success,” he said.