Former Mattel CEO Robert Eckert Joins Uber’s Board of Directors

Uber has appointed consumer industry veteran Robert Eckert to its Board. According to a company SEC filing, Uber’s Board of Directors appointed Eckert as an independent director on March 20.

Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi commented, “Bob brings powerful perspective and understands the tremendous value that can be unlocked by fostering a world-class consumer brand.”

“We’re thrilled to add Bob to the Board,” said Ron Sugar, Chair of the Board. “Bob leads with a steady hand, both in good times and through difficulties, and offers world-class experience and insights that we believe will prove invaluable as Uber begins its next decade.”

Eckert has been an Operating Partner of private equity firm FFL Partners since September 2014. He was the Chairman and CEO of Mattel from 2000 to 2011, and the CEO of Kraft Foods from 1997 to 2000.

In the March 20 SEC filing Uber’s Board stated that Eckert was selected because of his leadership experience in large global public companies, his extensive experience leading global consumer brands, his financial expertise as a partner of a private equity firm, and his government, policy and regulatory experience.