Uber's CEO Dara Khosrowshahi Resigns From Aurora Board of Directors

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Khosrowshahi’s Decision to Leave the Board

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, has resigned from the board of autonomous vehicle technology company Aurora Innovation. According to a recent regulatory filing, Khosrowshahi’s decision was due to his desire to focus on his ongoing responsibilities as CEO of Uber and reduce external board commitments.

Reason for Resignation

Khosrowshahi’s resignation became effective on Tuesday. In the filing, Aurora stated that Khosrowshahi’s decision to leave the board was not a result of any disagreement with the company.

History between Uber and Aurora Innovation

The relationship between Uber and Aurora dates back to 2020 when Uber offloaded its self-driving unit, Uber ATG, to Aurora. As part of the deal, Uber handed over its equity in ATG and invested $400 million into Aurora, giving it a 26% stake in the combined company.

Khosrowshahi’s Appointment to Aurora’s Board

As a result of the deal, Khosrowshahi joined Aurora’s board. This move allowed for a continued partnership between Uber and Aurora, which was further solidified through their collaboration on the Uber Freight network.

Uber’s Collaboration with Aurora

In June 2022, Uber and Aurora announced a multi-year collaboration to integrate trucks powered by Aurora’s technology into the Uber Freight network. Through this deal, Uber maintained its connection with Aurora while also expanding its offerings in the autonomous trucking space.

Relationship between Uber and Aurora Not Exclusive

Uber’s relationship with Aurora is not exclusive. The company has also partnered with Waabi, a self-driving truck startup founded by Raquel Urtasun, who previously served as chief scientist and head of R&D at Uber ATG.

New Board Member

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, which could be beneficial to Aurora as it continues to navigate the complex regulatory landscape of autonomous vehicles.

Recent Executive Departures

Khosrowshahi’s decision to leave the board comes on the heels of another recent executive departure from Aurora. 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.

Aurora’s Focus on Autonomous Trucking

Aurora’s focus on autonomous trucking is becoming increasingly prominent in the industry. The company’s technology has shown promise in reducing emissions and improving road safety. However, the regulatory hurdles facing autonomous vehicles are significant, and Aurora will need to continue to navigate these challenges as it grows.

Conclusion

Dara Khosrowshahi’s resignation from the board of Aurora Innovation marks a new chapter for both companies. As Uber continues to focus on its core ride-hailing business, Aurora will need to look inward to fill the void left by Khosrowshahi’s departure. The company’s ability to adapt and navigate the complex regulatory landscape will be crucial in determining its success.

About the Author

Rebecca Bellan is a senior reporter at TechCrunch, covering transportation and mobility. She has a background in journalism and history from Boston University and has written for various publications including Forbes.com, Bloomberg CityLab, The Atlantic, and Mother Jones.