London taxi app FREENOW has announced the appointment of Danny O’Gorman as its new general manager for the UK market. O’Gorman will oversee the company’s operations nationwide, with a key focus on supporting and strengthening London’s black cab trade and expanding taxi services in key UK cities.  

O’Gorman’s primary focus will be on increasing ride demand, enhancing driver benefits, and advocating for policies that safeguard the trade’s future, while maintaining a safe, convenient, and reliable taxi service for passengers.

O’Gorman joins FREENOW from his role as general manager for Ireland, where the company leads the taxi market. He also brings experience from senior positions at Amazon and Catawiki and holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Trinity College Dublin.  

In his new role, he will also oversee the expansion of FREENOW’s taxi services beyond its established presence in major UK cities, including London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Oxford.  

“I am honoured to take on this role at such a critical time for our taxi industry. Black cabs are not just an iconic part of London’s identity; they are a vital transport service that requires protection and support,” said O’Gorman. “My priority is to continue to work closely with drivers to ensure that they have the tools, opportunities, and backing they need to thrive and work closely with policymakers to grow and strengthen the taxi industry for the future.”

This appointment comes at a critical time, as the number of London taxis has dramatically declined over the past decade, falling from 22,810 in 2013-14 to just 14,470 in 2023-24. A recent report from the Centre for London has warned that black cabs could vanish from the capital’s streets by 2045 without urgent intervention from the government, the Mayor of London, and Transport for London.  

Tim Arnold, general manager Europe for FREENOW, added: “We are delighted to welcome Danny to lead our UK business. His experience in the taxi sector in Ireland, combined with his prior experience in marketplace operations, logistics, and sales, makes him the perfect person to drive FREENOW’s next phase of growth in the UK. We are fully committed to London’s black cab trade and believe that under Danny’s leadership, we will continue to offer the best support for drivers and the best experience for passengers.”

Image source: FREENOW (Danny O’Gorman, UK GM)