HÀ NỘI — Ride-hailing giant Uber appointed the company’s new general manager for Việt Nam, Cambodia and Myanmar, with an aim towards enhancing its services in the three Asian countries.

The new leader, Charity Safford, has 20 years of experience in leadership roles in the telecommunication sector in Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia.

“Ridesharing is changing the way cities in these countries move, and providing economic opportunities to thousands of people,” she said in a statement, adding, “Growing Uber’s business in this dynamic and fast-growing region is a fantastic opportunity, and one that I couldn’t turn down.”

According to Uber, Việt Nam was one of its first countries in Asia, while Cambodia and Myanmar are some of Uber’s newest markets globally and the company says the countries represent some of the fastest-growing markets in the region.

Safford will be supported by Cambodian General Manager Pascal Ly, who was CEO of the Credit Bureau Cambodia, and, more recently, advised SMEs in the country.

Ly has had previous stints in France, Australia, Singapore and Cambodia.

“With government recognition and support for ridesharing in Myanmar, Cambodia and Việt Nam, Uber expects to see strong growth and city launches in 2018 in all three countries,” said Brooks Entwistle, Asia Pacific Business Officer.

“Southeast Asia is ripe with opportunities for Uber, and we are leaning into the region this year and investing heavily in people, product and partnerships,” said Brooks, adding, “The entrepreneurial spirit shown by the people of Cambodia, Myanmar and Việt Nam never fails to amaze me, and I’m thrilled we will be able to serve them better with Charity and Pascal joining the team.” — VNS