CEO of Uber Steps Down from Autonomous Vehicle Tech Company
In a recent regulatory filing, Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of ride-hailing giant Uber, has announced his resignation from the board of autonomous vehicle technology company Aurora Innovation. The decision was made due to Khosrowshahi’s desire to focus on his ongoing responsibilities as CEO of Uber and reduce external board commitments.
Aurora Innovation Background
Aurora Innovation is a leading player in the development of autonomous vehicle technology. In 2020, Uber offloaded its self-driving unit, Uber ATG, to Aurora in a deal that involved handing over equity in ATG and investing $400 million into Aurora. As part of this deal, Khosrowshahi joined Aurora’s board.
Uber’s Relationship with Aurora
The relationship between Uber and Aurora dates back to 2020 when the two companies partnered to integrate Aurora’s autonomous truck technology into Uber Freight, Uber’s freight brokerage platform. The collaboration aimed to put trucks powered by Aurora’s technology on the Uber Freight network. However, it’s worth noting that Uber’s connection with Aurora is not exclusive, as the company has also partnered with Waabi, a self-driving truck startup founded by Raquel Urtasun.
What This Means for Aurora Innovation
Khosrowshahi’s resignation from the board of Aurora comes just weeks after Nolan Shenai, the company’s general counsel, announced his intention to step down effective January 6, 2025. Ossa Fisher, Aurora’s president, will take over Shenai’s responsibilities while the company considers his replacement.
New Board Member Announced
Shailen Bhatt, senior vice president and chief operating officer for AtkinsRéalis, has been appointed to join Aurora’s board in Khosrowshahi’s place. Bhatt brings a wealth of experience working with the Federal Highway Administration, which could be beneficial to Aurora as it continues to develop its autonomous vehicle technology.
Why is Dara Khosrowshahi Leaving?
Khosrowshahi’s decision to leave the board of Aurora Innovation was not due to any disagreement with the company. Instead, he cited a desire to focus on his ongoing responsibilities as CEO of Uber and reduce external board commitments. This move highlights the importance of prioritizing one’s core business and managing external relationships effectively.
The Future of Autonomous Vehicles
The development of autonomous vehicle technology is rapidly evolving, with companies like Aurora Innovation leading the charge. As we continue to see advancements in this space, it will be interesting to observe how Uber and Aurora collaborate moving forward.
Aurora Innovation’s Recent Executive Departures
This article was updated to include information about Aurora’s new board member and another recent executive departure. The company is experiencing a period of change, with several key executives stepping down or announcing their intentions to do so in the near future.
