Key Takeaways
- Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, has resigned from the board of autonomous vehicle technology company Aurora Innovation.
- The resignation was effective as of Tuesday, and was not the result of any disagreement with the company.
- Khosrowshahi’s decision to leave the board was due to a desire to focus on his ongoing responsibilities as CEO of Uber and reduce external board commitments.
Background
Dara Khosrowshahi has been involved with Aurora Innovation since 2020, when Uber offloaded its own self-driving unit, Uber ATG, to the company. 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 joined Aurora’s board as part of the deal.
Relationship between Uber and Aurora
Uber’s relationship with Aurora is not exclusive. The company has also partnered 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.
In June, Uber and Aurora announced a multi-year collaboration to put trucks powered by Aurora’s technology on the Uber Freight network. However, this partnership is part of a broader trend in the autonomous vehicle industry, where companies are partnering with multiple players to advance their technologies.
Recent Executive Departure
Nolan Shenai, Aurora’s general counsel, has 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.
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.
What This Means for the Autonomous Vehicle Industry
The resignation of Dara Khosrowshahi from the board of Aurora Innovation highlights the challenges faced by companies in the autonomous vehicle industry. As companies navigate complex partnerships and regulatory environments, executive departures can create uncertainty and disruption.
However, the collaboration between Uber and Aurora is a positive development for the industry, demonstrating the potential for multiple players to work together to advance autonomous technology.
Related Topics
Aurora Innovation
- Aurora Innovation Raises $1.15 Billion in Funding Round
- Uber and Aurora Announce Multi-Year Collaboration for Autonomous Trucking
Startups
- The Rise of Autonomous Vehicle Startups: Trends and Insights
- Autonomous Trucking Startup Waabi Raises $200 Million in Series A Funding
Transportation
- The Future of Autonomous Vehicles: Trends and Insights
- Uber Freight Partners with Aurora to Put Autonomous Trucks on the Network
Conclusion
Dara Khosrowshahi’s resignation from the board of Aurora Innovation marks a significant development in the autonomous vehicle industry. As companies navigate complex partnerships and regulatory environments, executive departures can create uncertainty and disruption.
However, the collaboration between Uber and Aurora is a positive development for the industry, demonstrating the potential for multiple players to work together to advance autonomous technology.
