Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi Resigns from Aurora Innovation’s Board

Introduction:
Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of Uber, has resigned from the board of Aurora Innovation, an autonomous vehicle technology company. His resignation, effective as of Tuesday, was announced in a regulatory filing. This article explores the reasons behind Khosrowshahi’s decision and its impact on both Uber and Aurora.

Why Dara Khosrowshahi Resigned from Aurora’s Board

Dara Khosrowshahi decided to step down from the board of Aurora Innovation to focus on his ongoing responsibilities at Uber. He mentioned that the decision was part of his effort to reduce external board commitments.

No Disagreements Between Khosrowshahi and Aurora

Aurora confirmed that Khosrowshahi’s resignation was not due to any disagreements with the company, signaling that the decision was purely driven by Khosrowshahi’s personal focus on his role at Uber.

The Relationship Between Uber and Aurora Innovation

Khosrowshahi’s exit from Aurora’s board does not mark the end of the companies’ collaboration. In 2020, Uber sold its self-driving unit, Uber ATG, to Aurora, which led to Uber’s investment in the company and Khosrowshahi’s appointment to the board. Uber retained a stake in Aurora and has continued to work with the company through its freight division, Uber Freight.

Ongoing Collaboration: Uber and Aurora’s Partnership in Self-Driving Trucks

Despite the leadership change, Uber’s partnership with Aurora continues to thrive. In 2023, Uber and Aurora announced a multi-year collaboration to integrate self-driving trucks into the Uber Freight network. This partnership represents a major step in Uber’s plans to expand into autonomous freight transportation.

Uber’s Non-Exclusive Partnership with Aurora

Though Uber maintains a strong relationship with Aurora, it is not exclusive. Uber also has a collaboration with another self-driving truck startup, Waabi, led by former Uber ATG head Raquel Urtasun.

Changes at Aurora Innovation: New Leadership and Departures

In light of Khosrowshahi’s departure, Aurora Innovation will see Shailen Bhatt join its board as Khosrowshahi’s replacement. Bhatt’s extensive background with the Federal Highway Administration is expected to bring valuable expertise to the company.

Other Recent Executive Departures at Aurora

Alongside Khosrowshahi’s resignation, Aurora also saw the exit of its General Counsel, Nolan Shenai, who will leave the company on January 6, 2025. Ossa Fisher, the company’s president, will temporarily assume Shenai’s duties.

What’s Next for Uber and Aurora’s Collaboration?

As Uber and Aurora continue their partnership in autonomous trucks, the future of their collaboration looks promising, despite the recent leadership changes. The integration of Aurora’s self-driving technology into Uber Freight is set to revolutionize the trucking industry.

Conclusion

Dara Khosrowshahi’s decision to step down from Aurora’s board is a significant shift for both Uber and Aurora Innovation. However, the ongoing collaboration between the companies in the autonomous trucking space is expected to continue as they strive to reshape the future of freight transport.