Uber executive disciplined over sexual misconduct

  Uber's head of corporate development Cameron Poetzscher was disciplined by the company last year, it emerged today, after it found he had made multiple sexually suggestive and inappropriate comments regarding fellow employees. 

An investigation by an outside law firm into the allegations was brought to Uber's attention in spring last year. This resulted in a formal warning, a reduction in Poetzscher's annual bonus and mandated sensitivity coaching, sources told the Wall Street Journal.

Complaints regarding Poetzscher's behaviour arose out of a wider workplace probe at the ride-hailing giant, carried out through the duration of 2017, which resulted in more than 20 terminations.

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While some involved in the decision pushed for Poetzscher to also be terminated from Uber, the decision was made to allow him to continue at the firm.

Poetzscher said in a statement: "After some concerns were raised in 2017, an outside law firm conducted a confidential review and I was rightfully disciplined. I deeply regret and have learned from this error in judgement."

An Uber spokesperson said the firm takes all employee complaints seriously. This particular incident was "fully investigated by outside counsel, and the appropriate actions were taken as a result".

Earlier this year, Uber settled several sexual harassment claims with a payout of $1.9m (£1.4m).