Key Takeaways Lyft CEO David Risher is intent on leading the company’s comeback story and is already making progress as the firm posted record revenue last year.
The 60-year-old CEO rides a Lyft bike to work every day and drives for the company every six weeks.
David Risher, the CEO of Lyft, stepped into the position in April 2023 after stints at Microsoft, Amazon and a literacy nonprofit he co-founded called Worldreader. Under his leadership, Lyft achieved its first full year of profitability in 2024, as well as revenue of $5.8 billion for the year, an all-time high. Lyft also broke revenue records for its most recent third quarter.
Under Risher, 60, Lyft has introduced features like Price Lock, a $2.99 subscription service launched last year that caps prices to avoid surge pricing during peak demand. In a new interview, Risher explained why he decided to become CEO of Lyft, what his day-to-day looks like and how Lyft ensures drivers are paid fairly. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Lyft CEO David Risher. Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA/AFP via Getty Images
Why did you decide to become CEO of Lyft?
I saw an opportunity in Lyft to lead a company that truly redefines what customer obsession looks like — one that’s rooted in the belief that technology must serve people first. The competitive spirit I learned at Microsoft, the customer obsession I learned at Amazon and the purpose-driven leadership I learned leading Worldreader primed me to steer Lyft’s next chapter of growth — our comeback story.
What does your day-to-day look like?
I always start my day with a 15-minute stretch and a cup of coffee. I then sit down with my phone, but don’t check my email first. I check X and read The New York Times every day (I’m kind of addicted to Wordle). I ride a Lyft bike to the office every day; it takes about 20 minutes from my home, and I often count the number of AVs (autonomous vehicles) I see on the commute.
Every day, I go for a mid-day walk and get a matcha. Sometimes, I’ll do a one-on-one with a team member as we walk, because getting out of the office makes for a different conversation.
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