Former Disney boss Bob Iger joins Gopuff as investor and advisor
US-based rapid delivery firm, Gopuff, has announced Bob Iger, former Disney CEO and Chairman, as an advisor and investor.
Terms of the investment were not disclosed.
Iger will, according to a press release, “advise co-founders and co-CEOs Yakir Gola and Rafael Ilishayev, and the broader executive team, to help deepen Gopuff’s consumer engagement and growth globally”.
“Bob Iger is one of the most important and visionary business leaders of this generation. He defined consumer engagement, product innovation, and organisational excellence,” says Gola.
“I am so proud and excited that Bob is joining team blue. Gopuff is building a platform designed for the future of the consumer industry and nobody understands consumers better than him.”
“It’s been exciting to spend time with Gopuff leadership learning about the company, the founders, and their aspirations,” says Iger.
“I am excited to advise, mentor, and support the executive team as they continue building a company uniquely designed for how consumers are changing and growing. I believe consumer commerce will be very different in the near future and Gopuff is building the platform to power it.”
Bryan Batista
Gopuff also recently announced the appointment of Bryan Batista as Senior Vice President of International.
Batista previously served as CEO of Booking.com’s Rentalcars.com business.
Prior to that, he worked at Tesla Motors in both the US and Europe.
Based in the UK, he will report to Gola and IIishayev.
Gola said: “Bryan's deep expertise scaling companies around the world will be invaluable as we bring the Gopuff experience to new customers and markets worldwide.”
“We have a proven track record of strategic and successful expansion in the US and Europe. We are confident that with Bryan onboard, we are strongly positioned to continue to advance our global growth.”
Batista commented: “Instant commerce is one of the most innovative and influential sectors today.”
“Joining the pioneer of the category to help build the business in international markets is an opportunity like none other. We’ve seen how quickly adoption has risen in the UK, and I look forward to repeating that success elsewhere in Europe and beyond with this incredible team.”
Gopuff launched in the UK in November of last year, its first international market expansion outside the US following the acquisitions of Dija and Fancy in 2021.
Further locations are set to go live in 2022.
