Passing the torch—Introducing Alejandro Chouza, Uber’s New General Manager for the Pacific Northwest

For the past four years I have served as the general manager for Uber in the Pacific Northwest. The work has been the most rewarding and exciting of my life. I have had the opportunity to build relationships with many of the drivers who provide safe, reliable rides to people throughout the region each and every day.

Seattle is a special city for Uber. It was the company’s third city after San Francisco and New York, and many of the initiatives we’ve developed to improve the driver experience initially took root in Seattle.

For example, Seattle is at the forefront when it comes to drivers working directly with local Uber staff to make our company better. The Peer Advisor program is now more than a year old with thousands of members. Driver feedback offered through this program has played a central role in enhancing our products for drivers and riders.

Another fulfilling aspect of my time leading the Pacific Northwest office has been the Community Impact Initiative we started here. Through this program, we are providing help to those in need how we’re best able--by providing free and discounted rides as well as financial support to organizations making a real difference in the community.

The most meaningful part of what we’ve been able to accomplish over the past four years, however, has been the tremendous growth of the company and the overwhelming number of riders and drivers who have benefited from using Uber. In the Seattle area alone, there are currently about 14,000 area drivers who are using Uber to earn a flexible income, and roughly 800,000 riders who have taken advantage of the safe, convenient and affordable transportation option offered by Uber.

As for what lies ahead for me, I’m not quite sure. My plan is to take a sabbatical, do some traveling and then determine what’s next. What I do know is that I’m passing the torch to someone who is more than capable for the general manager role. Alejandro Chouza will continue to serve as a steadfast advocate for drivers, and he’s someone who will be able to bring our operation here in the region to new heights under Dara’s leadership.

I couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds for Uber in the PNW.

Brooke Steger, Uber General Manager

I’m thrilled to begin a new chapter at Uber. Having been with the company for just over three years, this new role leading the operations team in the PNW is an honor and a privilege.

The legacy of driver engagement and community partnerships that Brooke and her team have created here in the PNW is impressive. In many ways it’s seen as a model by Uber teams in other parts of the world. I’m proud to take the baton from her and carry on the great work that’s already begun.

I’m also excited to continue building Uber’s business across the PNW under the leadership of our new CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi. Dara has clearly stated that Uber will act with integrity in everything we do, and that not only will we continue to grow, but we will grow in a responsible way. That means doing right by our customers--especially drivers--and putting them first.

On a personal note, I was born in Mexico City and came to the U.S. in search of better opportunities. And although I absolutely love Mexico and am so proud of the work I did there for Uber--I served as GM of Northwest Mexico and led our company’s expansion into many new markets--the chances I’ve been given here in the U.S. are beyond what I imagined was ever possible. I’m now married to a Seattle native and we recently had our first child.

Prior to starting with Uber, I served as a senior marketing manager at Microsoft and also helped start a couple of my own tech companies. I feel that all of what I’ve done until now has been preparation for this next big role.

Looking forward to 2018, the plan for Uber in the PNW is to continue listening to drivers and looking to them for valuable input as partners in our business. We will also continue working to be partners to local governments throughout the region, as I believe Uber is uniquely equipped to help cities address the transportation and environmental challenges that come with continued growth.

Ale Chouza, Uber General Manager