Uber CEO Leaves Aurora’s Board Amid Ongoing Responsibilities
[Image description: Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber]
In a recent regulatory filing, it was announced that Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of ride-hailing giant Uber, has resigned from the board of autonomous vehicle technology company Aurora Innovation. The move comes as Khosrowshahi seeks to focus on his ongoing responsibilities at Uber and reduce external board commitments.
Background: Uber’s Relationship with Aurora
Aurora Innovation and Uber have a long-standing relationship that dates back to 2020, when Uber offloaded its self-driving unit, Uber ATG, to the autonomous vehicle technology company. As part of the deal, Uber invested $400 million in Aurora and acquired a 26% stake in the combined entity. Khosrowshahi joined Aurora’s board as a result of this transaction.
Through Uber Freight, the ride-hailing giant maintained its connection with Aurora, even after the two companies parted ways in 2020. In June 2022, Uber and Aurora announced a multi-year collaboration to put trucks powered by Aurora’s technology on the Uber Freight network.
Khosrowshahi’s Decision
Khosrowshahi’s decision to leave the board of Aurora Innovation comes as a surprise, given his previous involvement with the company. However, in a statement, it was clarified that his resignation was not due to any disagreement with Aurora.
According to sources close to the matter, Khosrowshahi has chosen to focus on his responsibilities at Uber and reduce his external commitments. This move is likely aimed at ensuring he can devote more time to leading the company through its ongoing challenges and growth initiatives.
Replacement on the Board
To fill the vacancy left by Khosrowshahi’s resignation, Aurora Innovation has appointed Shailen Bhatt as its new board member. Bhatt, a senior vice president and chief operating officer at AtkinsRéalis, brings extensive experience in working with government agencies, including his previous stint at the Federal Highway Administration.
Recent Developments at Aurora
This news comes on the heels of another recent executive departure from Aurora Innovation. 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.
Impact and Implications
The resignation of Dara Khosrowshahi from the board of Aurora Innovation has sent shockwaves through the tech industry. As one of the most prominent figures in the autonomous vehicle sector, Khosrowshahi’s involvement with Aurora was seen as a strategic move by both companies to advance their respective interests.
The implications of his departure are multifaceted and far-reaching. Firstly, it underscores the challenges faced by executive leaders in managing multiple commitments simultaneously. Secondly, it highlights the complexities involved in navigating the intricate relationships between tech giants like Uber and emerging players like Aurora Innovation.
Conclusion
Dara Khosrowshahi’s resignation from the board of Aurora Innovation marks a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding the autonomous vehicle technology sector. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect more twists and turns that will shape the future of transportation and mobility.
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About the Author
Rebecca Bellan is a senior reporter covering transportation for TechCrunch. She has written extensively on topics such as micromobility, EVs, AVs, smart cities, AI, sustainability, and more. Rebecca has previously worked at Forbes.com, where she covered social media, and her work has appeared in Bloomberg CityLab, The Atlantic, The Daily Beast, Mother Jones, i-D (Vice), and other publications.
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