Facebook hires former Uber PR chief Rachel Whetstone

Whetstone, who has worked for some of the Britain`s most powerful Conservative politicians, stepped down as head of public policy and communications at Uber in April following a string of corporate scandals.

Representational Image. Photo: Pixabay

Facebook has hired Uber`s former top public relations executive as vice-president of communications for its multiple platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger.

According to a report in The Guardian on Tuesday, Whetstone, who has worked for some of the Britain`s most powerful Conservative politicians, stepped down as head of public policy and communications at Uber in April following a string of corporate scandals.

Whetstone in her new role at Facebook will oversee communications for Instagram and WhatsApp, which are both owned by Facebook.

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Whetstone worked at Google as the head of communications and public policy prior to Uber.

"It`s a real privilege to be joining the Facebook family. Products like WhatsApp have become an important part of my life -- making it so much easier to stay in touch with my own family and friends," the report quoted Whetstone as saying.

Whetstone left Uber earlier this year amid a number of public relations crises after a former employee`s accusation of sexual harassment stirred a major controversy, surrounding claims of rampant sexism and discrimination within the company.

"We are thrilled Rachel will be joining us -- she brings unique insight and leadership to an already world-class team. We`re excited to work with and learn from Rachel as we manage some of the world`s most interesting communications opportunities," Caryn Marooney, Vice President (Global Communications) Facebook said.

Whetstone has not commented on the scandals since she left Uber. She is a friend of David Cameron and George Osborne. She served as Howard`s political secretary and was a major player in Conservative politics when the party was up against Tony Blair`s Labour government.

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