In a regulatory filing on Friday, it was announced that Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of Uber, is resigning from the board of autonomous vehicle technology company Aurora Innovation. The decision to leave the board was made by Khosrowshahi in order to focus on his ongoing responsibilities as CEO of Uber and reduce external board commitments.
Effective Date of Resignation
Khosrowshahi’s resignation was effective as of Tuesday, marking the end of his tenure on the Aurora Innovation board. According to a statement from Aurora, Khosrowshahi’s decision to leave the board was not the result of any disagreement with the company.
Background and History between Uber and Aurora
The relationship between Uber and Aurora dates back to 2020 when Uber offloaded its own self-driving unit, Uber ATG, to Aurora. The deal involved Uber handing over its equity in ATG and investing $400 million into Aurora, giving it a 26% stake in the combined company. As part of this deal, Khosrowshahi joined Aurora’s board.
Uber’s Connection with Aurora
Through Uber Freight, Uber’s freight brokerage platform that connects shippers and carriers, the ride-hail and delivery giant maintained its connection with Aurora. In June 2022, Uber and Aurora announced a multi-year collaboration to put trucks powered by Aurora’s technology on the Uber Freight network.
Uber’s Relationship with Waabi
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.
Shailen Bhatt Appointed to Replace Khosrowshahi
To fill the vacant spot on the board, Shailen Bhatt, senior vice president and chief operating officer for AtkinsRéalis, has been appointed. Bhatt has a background working for the Federal Highway Administration, bringing his expertise in transportation infrastructure to the table.
Recent Executive Departure at Aurora
Khosrowshahi’s decision to leave the board comes just weeks after Nolan Shenai, Aurora’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.
Aurora Innovation and Its Partnerships
Aurora Innovation is a leading player in the autonomous vehicle technology space. The company has been working with various partners to develop its self-driving truck technology. Uber’s collaboration with Aurora is just one example of the company’s efforts to integrate its technology into existing transportation networks.
The Future of Autonomous Vehicles
The development of autonomous vehicles is an exciting and rapidly evolving field. Companies like Aurora Innovation are at the forefront of this revolution, working tirelessly to develop the technology needed to make self-driving cars a reality. With partners like Uber on board, it will be interesting to see how these companies continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in transportation.
Conclusion
Dara Khosrowshahi’s resignation from the Aurora Innovation board marks an important development in the company’s journey towards becoming a leader in autonomous vehicle technology. As the CEO of Uber, Khosrowshahi will continue to focus on his ongoing responsibilities at the company, leaving behind a legacy as one of the pioneers in the self-driving industry.