Uber CEO Steps Down from Autonomous Vehicle Company Board
According to a Friday regulatory filing, Dara Khosrowshahi is resigning from the board of autonomous vehicle technology company Aurora Innovation. The Uber chief executive cited a desire to focus on his ongoing responsibilities as CEO of Uber and reduce external board commitments.
Resignation Effective Date
Khosrowshahi’s resignation was effective as of Tuesday. Aurora says Khosrowshahi’s decision to leave the board was not the result of any disagreement with the company.
History Between Aurora and Uber
The Uber chief executive and Aurora Innovation go way back. In 2020, Uber offloaded its own self-driving unit, Uber ATG, to Aurora. The deal at the time involved Uber handing over its equity in ATG and investing $400 million into Aurora, giving it a 26% stake in the combined company.
Khosrowshahi Joins Aurora’s Board
As part of the deal, Khosrowshahi joined Aurora’s board. Through Uber Freight, Uber’s freight brokerage platform that connects shippers and carriers, the ride-hail and delivery giant maintained its connection with Aurora.
Recent Collaboration Between Uber and Aurora
In June, Uber and Aurora announced a multi-year collaboration to put trucks powered by Aurora’s technology on the Uber Freight network. However, Uber’s relationship with Aurora is not exclusive. The company also has a deal with Waabi, the self-driving truck startup founded by Raquel Urtasun, who had previously served as chief scientist and head of R&D at Uber ATG.
New Board Member for Aurora
Shailen Bhatt, senior vice president and chief operating officer for AtkinsRéalis, will join Aurora’s board in Khosrowshahi’s place. Bhatt has a background working for the Federal Highway Administration.
Recent Departure from Aurora
Khosrowshahi’s decision to leave the board comes a couple of weeks after Nolan Shenai, Aurora’s general counsel, shared 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.
Update on Recent Executive Departure
This article was updated to include information about Aurora’s new board member and another recent executive departure.
Key Takeaways
- Dara Khosrowshahi is resigning from the board of Aurora Innovation, citing a desire to focus on his ongoing responsibilities as CEO of Uber.
- The resignation was effective as of Tuesday and was not the result of any disagreement with the company.
- Khosrowshahi joined Aurora’s board in 2020 as part of the deal that involved Uber offloading its self-driving unit, Uber ATG, to Aurora.
- The company also has a deal with Waabi, the self-driving truck startup founded by Raquel Urtasun.
Related Topics
Aurora Innovation
- Autonomous vehicle technology
- Startups
Transportation
- Uber Freight
- Self-driving trucks
- Electric vehicles
Uber
- Ride-hail and delivery giant
- Equity in ATG
Relevant Articles
Tesla to Split $100M Award for Electric Truck Charging Corridor in Illinois
Sean O’Kane, TechCrunch
- Tesla has been awarded a $100 million grant from the state of Illinois to build an electric truck charging corridor.
Accel Doubles Down on Sarla Aviation’s Ambition to Develop Electric Air Taxis in India
Jagmeet Singh, TechCrunch
- Accel has invested in Sarla Aviation, which aims to develop electric air taxis for passengers.
Trump’s DOT Pick Wants EV Owners to Pay to Use Roads
Rebecca Bellan, TechCrunch
- The Department of Transportation’s pick under the Trump administration wants electric vehicle owners to pay a fee to use roads.
