Ola Cabs CEO Hemant Bakshi steps down, firm announces job cuts
Ride-hailing platform Ola Cabs CEO, Hemant Bakshi, has stepped down from his position, just four months after taking the job, the company said on Monday.
Leading ride-sharing platform Ola will soon launch its services in New Zealand. The company said on Tuesday it would start the inaugural services in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.
Ola plans to enter New Zealand “to provide both drivers and passengers a safe way to get around Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington”, according to a statement issued on Tuesday.
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The company has not specified the launch date of its services in New Zealand.
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Ola’s New Zealand entry follows its launch in Australia and UK in February and August this year.
Ola currently operates in seven Australian cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and in the UK’s Cardiff, Newport and Vale of Glamorgan, and the Bengaluru-based firm plans to expand across Australia by the end of this year.
Brian Dewil has been appointed as the country manager for New Zealand.
Brian, who previously founded UrbanSherpa, has over 15 years’ experience working in the technology and start-up industry. Prior to joining Ola, he was the co-founder and director of Horizon Robotics.
“Kiwis have had too little choice when it comes to rideshare. Ola’s arrival will create a compelling experience that puts the quality of rides first. I’m excited to build the local team and business in New Zealand and provide a healthy contribution to the nation’s local mobility infrastructure”, he said.
Founded in 2011, Ola has been competing against American ride-sharing major Uber in the cab-hailing market, and claims to have 125 million users in 110 cities.
“We see an opportunity in New Zealand to provide a fair alternative in the ride share space for both customers and drivers. We invested in understanding the New Zealand customer and have devised the strategy to meet their transport needs,” said OLA Chief Executive Officer Bhavish Aggarwal.
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