Former MP Luciana Berger gets new job with US rapid delivery firm

Luciana Berger has landed a new job with a rapid home  delivery company originally founded by two Jewish university students in Philadelphia.

The former Labour, Lib Dem and Change UK MP will start work at GoPuff in the Spring as European head of corporate affairs.

She is leaving her current job at advocacy firm Edelman for the new role with a company who are market-leaders in America, and who plan to be operating in 33 cities in the UK by mid 2022.

The firm, which launched in the US in 2013, is aiming to offer 24 hour long delivery service for a fee of £1.79.

Last year GoPuff was valued at £15billion having captured the market in the States for super fast home delivery of goods including ice cream and beer.

Yakir Gola and Rafael Ilishayev had started GoPuff while studying at  Drexel University.

Gopuff  entered the UK market earlier this year buying the grocery delivery apps Fancy and Dija.

In a statement, Gopuff said Berger will “bring deep insight in sectors including food and drink, health and sustainability, and is known for helping secure a number of legislative changes during her tenure as the MP for Liverpool Wavertree – a position she held for almost a decade”.

Berger said: “I am really excited to be joining the Gopuff team to lead European corporate affairs. I have experienced Gopuff’s energy and ambition first-hand. As the market leader in the US, eyeing further expansion across the region, I have no doubt the business will continue its growth journey in 2022 and beyond. I can’t wait to be part of it.”

Yakir Gola and Rafael Ilishayev had started GoPuff while at Philadelphia’s Drexel University

Hugh Taggart, co-chief executive of Edelman UK, said: “We thank Luciana for her contribution to the firm. She will continue to lead the Edelman Global Advisory team in the UK until her departure, and we are searching for a new leader at what is an exciting time for the firm and the rollout of Edelman Global Advisory.”

Gopuff’s European team includes Darin Manney, who was previously chief finance officer at Amazon Fashion EU.

Berger’s previous roles on Labour’s front bench included shadow minister for energy and climate change, shadow minister for public health, and shadow cabinet member for mental health. She famously quit the party citing Jeremy Corbyn’s failure on antisemitism and the party’s direction over Brexit. She was latterly Lib Dem shadow spokesperson for health, social care and wellbeing.

She left Parliament after the 2019 general election following an unsuccessful bid to become Lib Dem MP for Finchley and Golders Green in London.

She had joined Edelman in July 2020  .