Jennifer Baker:

Europe’s former digital agenda commissioner Neelie Kroes has landed a senior role with ride sharing app, Uber.
 
 The appointment is significant, given that the company faces a legal backlash in several countries across the EU.
 
 Uber has had difficulty retaining higher-ups in recent years. Last year, French authorities arrested two executives after Uber failed to comply with draconian new taxi laws that were widely viewed as targeting Uber and its ilk.
 
 Uber has also had difficulty in retaining staff in the commission’s backyard: Brussels. The European Commission—which is the executive wing of the EU—has been mulling whether Uber qualifies as a tech firm, or a transport outfit. Uber has argued that it’s simply a service platform that brings together drivers and passengers.