Uber Shared-Ride Provider Hires Ex-Obama Advisor

Uber Technologies Inc. has hired former White House advisor David Plouffe to help it gain acceptance for its taxi-alternative service worldwide. He will join the company in September.

Plouffe ran Barack Obama's successful 2008 presidential campaign and was a top Obama advisor from 2011 to 2013.

Uber employs part-time drivers who use their own cars to transport passengers. A smartphone app enables customers to find Uber drivers, arrange for a pickup and set a price.

But the company has encountered strong resistance in several cities. Many conventional taxi operators complain that Uber skirts regulations they must follow. Uber retorts that the highly regulated taxi industry results in higher prices, less competition and fewer choices for customers.