In a regulatory filing made on Friday, it was announced that Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of ride-hailing giant Uber, is resigning from the board of autonomous vehicle technology company Aurora Innovation. This decision comes as a result of Khosrowshahi’s desire to focus on his ongoing responsibilities at Uber and reduce external board commitments.
Effective Date of Resignation
Khosrowshahi’s resignation was effective as of Tuesday, according to the filing. It is worth noting that this decision was not made in response to any disagreements with Aurora Innovation. In fact, the company has stated that Khosrowshahi’s departure was a mutual decision, allowing him to focus on his duties at Uber.
Aurora Innovation and Uber: A Long-Standing Partnership
The partnership between Uber and Aurora Innovation dates back to 2020 when Uber offloaded its self-driving unit, Uber ATG, to the latter. As part of this 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 this arrangement.
Aurora Innovation: A Key Player in Autonomous Vehicles
Aurora Innovation is a leading player in the autonomous vehicle technology space. The company has made significant strides in developing self-driving trucks, with its technology being used to power vehicles on major highways. In June, Uber and Aurora announced a multi-year collaboration to integrate trucks powered by Aurora’s technology into the Uber Freight network.
Uber’s Relationship with Aurora: Not Exclusive
While Uber has a significant stake in Aurora Innovation, it is not an exclusive partnership. The company also has a deal with Waabi, a 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: Shailen Bhatt
Shailen Bhatt, senior vice president and chief operating officer for AtkinsRĆ©alis, will join Aurora’s board in Khosrowshahi’s place. Bhatt has a background working for the Federal Highway Administration, giving him valuable insight into the transportation sector.
Recent Executive Departure: Nolan Shenai
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 Innovation Continues to Grow and Evolve
Despite these changes, Aurora Innovation remains committed to its mission of developing autonomous vehicle technology that can be used in various industries. The company continues to work with major players like Uber to integrate its technology into existing networks.
What This Means for the Future of Autonomous Vehicles
The departure of Khosrowshahi from the board of Aurora Innovation highlights the challenges faced by companies in this sector. As autonomous vehicle technology continues to evolve, partnerships and collaborations will be crucial in driving innovation forward.
Additional Reading
For more information on the future of transportation and the latest developments in the autonomous vehicle space, be sure to check out our article on Tesla’s plans for an electric truck charging corridor in Illinois.
Related News
- Aurora Innovation and Uber team up for autonomous trucking
- Waabi raises $200M to develop self-driving trucks
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