Waymo Hires Former National Transportation Safety Board Chair

Nov. 28, 2018—Waymo has hired a former top safety regulator to ensure the company's fleet of robotaxis operate safely, reported CNBC.

Deborah Hersman, who was chair of the National Transportation Safety Board in the Obama administration, will become chief safety officer for Waymo starting in January. She will focus on ensuring the safe operation of hundreds of driverless vehicles that are expected to shuttle passengers.

The move comes just weeks before Waymo launches the country's first autonomous ride-share service in metropolitan Phoenix. 

In addition to signing Hersman, Waymo has also hired its first chief commercial officer, Amee Chande, who will oversee business strategy, operations, and strategic partnerships as the company starts to monetize its work with driverless vehicles. Chande joins Waymo after serving as managing director of global strategy and operations for Alibaba Group, according to the report.