Uber has hired a former Expedia exec to head HR

Uber has hired Nikki Krishnamurthy as its new head of human resources. She replaces Liane Hornsey, who left the company under a controversy around how the ride-hailing company handled issues of racial discrimination.

Krishnamurthy is coming to Uber from Expedia, where she had worked with Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. (I had called Uber months ago after she left Expedia in June when I heard she had the job and they said no then — but it is now a yes!)

She will be in charge of Uber’s human resources, recruiting, workplace and diversity and inclusion units. The company has 20,000 employees globally. Besides her job as head of HR at Expedia, Krishnamurthy also ran its Expedia Local Expert division, which helped users book events and other activities.

Here is the hello-to-Nikki memo from Khosrowshahi:

I’m happy to let you know that Nikki Krishnamurthy will join us next week as Chief People Officer.

Nikki recently left a similar role at Expedia, and like me she was attracted by our mission, inspired by the work we’re doing, and excited by our future. She and I had discussed a potential role at Uber, and after interviewing several other candidates, I believe Nikki is the right person to lead our People & Places team.

Nikki has a strong track record of growing and supporting high-performing teams, and building a thriving, inclusive, entrepreneurial culture. She’s an incredible listener and people-focused leader. And as someone with experience successfully running her own division at Expedia (with responsibility for everything from technology to operations), she will be a great partner to the business.

Just as importantly, I know from many years of personal experience that Nikki will be a trusted, honest advisor to the entire leadership team: someone who will keep her finger on the pulse of the company and be fearless in pushing us all to be better leaders.

Nikki will start next Monday, October 8, and will be meeting all of you over the next few weeks.

Welcome, Nikki!

Uber on,

Dara

This article originally appeared on Recode.net.

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