Uber Technologies Inc.’s chief legal officer, Tony West, has announced he will be taking a temporary leave of absence to volunteer for the presidential campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris. As both the brother-in-law of Harris and a former Department of Justice official, West brings a significant background in legal and governmental affairs to the campaign.
West’s departure begins on August 17, according to a regulatory filing by Uber. While the documentation did not explicitly name Harris’ presidential bid or provide a return date, West confirmed his role in an email sent to Uber employees, which Bloomberg News has reviewed. “While I love my job, my team, and the positive impact Uber is making, it’s important for me to step away and support this significant campaign effort,” West stated.
At Uber, West has tackled high-profile legal issues, particularly those surrounding driver regulations. His expertise in navigating complex legal landscapes has been a vital asset to the company. The corporate legal community will be closely watching how both Uber and West manage this transitional period.