Taxi app Gett puts London cabbie in driving seat as it takes on Uber

Israeli taxi app Gett has hired a former London cabbie to lead its drive against Uber as it capitalises on unrest at its US rival.

Russell Hall, who was a taxi driver for 33 years before founding Hailo, is joining as head of driver operations to become the main point of contact for Gett drivers.

The Volkswagen-backed company, which allows users to book licensed cabs, said hiring Hall would help it “achieve its aim of putting drivers first”.

It comes as San Francisco-based Uber grapples with discontent among its drivers, with unions pushing for more rights.

Hall, who left Hailo when it was sold last year to Mercedes-Benz owner Daimler, said: “Gett are very ambitious in taking on Uber – that would be the message to the general public, but also to London taxi drivers.”

Gett’s UK managing director Matteo De Renzi said: “Gett is growing incredibly quickly so we want to ensure that drivers remain at the heart of our business. This makes this role more important than ever.”