After starting her career as a retail consultant in Madrid, Marta Lopez Saavedra moved to London to work in food tech strategy. It was her first taste of the industry–and she loved it, “the industry, people, and pace”, she shares. Eventually, she moved back to her native Spain, but her passion for food tech remained and one fortuitous day, Uber came calling.
After working in online food delivery, why did you join Uber Eats in Spain?
“After moving back to Spain, one day a LinkedIn notification popped up on my phone with the role of Head of New Verticals for Uber in Spain. Naturally I had to apply. It was a full circle moment because the role combined my two passions, retail and food tech. As I learned more about Uber during the interview process I was impressed by the reach and scale of Uber and the opportunity to work in a global company with people from all over the world with diverse backgrounds. The people I met during the interviews, and with whom I would eventually work alongside, impressed me. And the opportunity to join New Verticals Spain at launch and be able to scale it as other teams had done in other countries was enticing. Through our app we want to ensure that all users in Spain can experience the great convenience that comes with having groceries delivered.”
What is the New Verticals team?
“New Verticals is a fast-growing startup within Uber Eats that enables consumers to get just about anything delivered through our app. We work with some of the biggest supermarket chains and pharmacies in the country to offer customers goods at their fingertips for the occasion that they want––top-up, special occasion, tonight’s dinner, or even stock-up. At the same time, we connect merchants with customers and give them the opportunity to become fully integrated in the day-to-day life of the Spanish people.”
What surprised you after you joined?
“The team takes ownership and has a go-getter attitude, both our local members and the central team that supports us. It’s energizing to see how we’re working and pushing together to bring convenience to the doorstep of our users.”
What is your team’s biggest achievement so far?
“The great relationship we’ve built with our grocery partners. We’ve managed to earn their trust and have constructive conversations that move their business forward.”
What can we expect in 2024 from New Verticals?
“We have huge ambitions for 2024. Our New Verticals team in Spain is expanding the offering and services to provide more value to our customers. We will continue to increase the selection of retailers and improve customer experience; we will iterate on those dimensions with the aim of offering magical experiences. 2024 should also be a year where we increase awareness in the market. Many people in Spain do not know that Uber Eats provides access to more than just restaurants and we’re planning to change that!”
Last but not least, what is your most ordered item on New Verticals?
“Mozzarella cheese! I’m a huge cheese lover.”
Posted by Uber
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