As the winner of Corporate Counsel's Best General Counsel award for 2023, Tony West, the General Counsel of Uber, has been instrumental in reshaping the company's legal department and, by extension, its corporate culture. Joining the ride-hailing giant in 2017 amid considerable controversy, West brought a new era of openness and collaboration, focusing on enhancing passenger safety and reducing incidents like sexual assaults.
West's leadership philosophy is rooted in self-awareness and inclusivity. He emphasizes surrounding himself with a team that complements his weaknesses, fostering a culture where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but are also instrumental in decision-making. This approach has transformed the Uber legal team from one previously shrouded in secrecy to a model of transparency and inclusivity.
Jane Pollack, Senior Vice President of Legal at Fanatics Sportsbook and a former colleague of West at Uber, commends his efforts to connect with all members of his large team, fostering respect and ensuring everyone feels heard. West's guiding principle for the legal department, "We do the right thing, period," underscores his commitment to ethical practice.
Under West's leadership, Uber has tackled significant challenges, including addressing allegations of a toxic work environment and sexual harassment, and dealing with a major data breach and its fallout. His strategy included hiring Tammy Albarrán, a partner from Covington and Burling who had co-authored a critical report on Uber, as his deputy general counsel. This move signaled West's dedication to confronting issues head-on and ensuring accountability.
West's approach to handling sensitive issues, particularly around sexual assault on the platform, illustrates his commitment to survivor-centered policies. He sought guidance from experts and advocacy groups to develop a taxonomy for documenting and understanding sexual misconduct, which has been adopted by other companies, including Lyft.
Innovation has been a hallmark of West's tenure at Uber, as seen in the development of new safety features and technologies. His inquisitiveness and openness to new ideas have spurred significant advancements in the company’s safety toolkit, enhancing the experience for both riders and drivers.
West's leadership style, characterized by a willingness to embrace legal risks in pursuit of doing the right thing, sets a powerful example not just for his team but for the entire company. His tenure at Uber demonstrates how strong, ethically-driven leadership can transform a legal department and contribute to the broader transformation of a corporate culture.
