Uber's Dara Khosrowshahi Resigns from Self-Driving Truck Startup Aurora's Board

Table of Contents

Overview

In a recent regulatory filing, Dara Khosrowshahi announced his resignation from the board of autonomous vehicle technology company Aurora Innovation. The decision comes as a result of Khosrowshahi’s desire to focus on his ongoing responsibilities as CEO of Uber and reduce external board commitments.

Background

Aurora Innovation and Uber have a long-standing relationship, dating 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 joined Aurora’s board as part of the deal, solidifying the connection between the two companies. Through Uber Freight, Uber maintained its relationship with Aurora, even announcing a multi-year collaboration to put trucks powered by Aurora’s technology on the Uber Freight network.

Resignation and Replacement

Khosrowshahi’s resignation from the board was effective as of Tuesday, and his decision was not the result of any disagreement with the company. 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, bringing valuable experience to the table. His appointment comes on the heels of another recent executive departure at Aurora – Nolan Shenai, the company’s general counsel, shared his intention to step down effective January 6, 2025.

Recent Developments

Ossa Fisher, Aurora’s president, will take over Shenai’s responsibilities while the company considers his replacement. This move is part of a larger effort by Aurora to adapt and evolve in an ever-changing industry.

Aurora Innovation’s History with Uber

The relationship between Aurora Innovation and Uber began with the acquisition of Uber ATG by Aurora in 2020. The deal not only brought significant investment but also solidified Khosrowshahi’s involvement with the company as a board member.

Aurora Innovation: A Brief Overview

Aurora Innovation is an autonomous vehicle technology company that has been making waves in the industry since its inception. With a focus on developing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and level 4/5 autonomy, Aurora has established itself as a major player in the field.

Uber’s Connection to Aurora Innovation

As mentioned earlier, Uber’s connection to Aurora goes back to 2020 when the ride-hail giant offloaded its self-driving unit to the company. This deal marked a significant shift for both companies and solidified their partnership.

What’s Next for Aurora Innovation?

With Khosrowshahi’s resignation and the appointment of Shailen Bhatt to the board, it will be interesting to see how Aurora Innovation continues to navigate the complex world of autonomous vehicles. The company’s focus on adapting to changing industry dynamics will likely remain a top priority.

Conclusion

Dara Khosrowshahi’s resignation from the Aurora Innovation board marks an important chapter in the company’s history. As Aurora looks to the future, its relationship with Uber will undoubtedly continue to shape the landscape of autonomous vehicles.

Key Takeaways

Dara Khosrowshahi resigned from the board of Aurora Innovation, citing a desire to focus on his responsibilities as CEO of Uber.
Shailen Bhatt was appointed to replace Khosrowshahi on the board, bringing valuable experience from his background in transportation policy.
The resignation comes after another recent executive departure at Aurora – Nolan Shenai’s decision to step down effective January 6, 2025.