Ola Appoints Former Google Europe COO Ben Legg as Head of UK Operations

Taxi aggregator Ola on Monday announced appointment of Ben Legg as Managing Director of its recently announced UK operations. Legg will lead and develop the senior leadership team, drive strategy and operations and establish a UK nationwide presence by the end of 2018.

Ola recently announced it has obtained licences to operate in Greater Manchester and South Wales, with the launch of operations in South Wales in the coming weeks.

Ben joins Ola from AdParlor, the New York-based global marketing technology company, where he was CEO for two years. Prior to this, he was Group CEO of Adknowledge, the digital advertising technology firm, between 2011 and 2016. He has also worked as Chief Operating Officer for Google Europe, as well as previously holding senior roles at Coca-Cola and McKinsey.

"We're delighted to have a talented leader like Ben at the helm as we start our operations in the UK. Ben has a diverse set of experiences that span strategy and operations and is best placed to drive the development of the business in one of the world's most evolved transportation markets," said co-founder and CEO of Ola, Bhavish Aggarwal.

"I'm excited to be joining Ola as it launches in the UK and brings its compelling ride-hailing services to passengers at their fingertips. Ola is committed to working in partnership with policymakers and regulators in all local markets in the UK, to help ensure that our goals are aligned with theirs," said Ben Legg on his appointment.

Earlier, ride sharing platform Ola announced its expansion in the United Kingdom (UK) market with operations starting from South Wales and Greater Manchester.

With a new service offering to the UK market, Ola obtained its licences to operate in South Wales and Greater Manchester, will begin its launch operations in South Wales within the next month.

With this expansion, Ola will be the only ride-hailing app in the UK that offers passengers the option of PHVs and Black Cabs through one platform, which in the future will see additional transportation options incorporated.