Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi Resigns from Aurora Board

Dara Khosrowshahi Steps Down from Aurora Innovation Board

Dara Khosrowshahi has resigned from his position on the board of directors at Aurora Innovation, a company specializing in autonomous vehicle technology. This decision, revealed in a regulatory filing on Friday, stems from a need to concentrate on his duties as CEO of Uber and lessen his commitments to external boards.

Khosrowshahi’s resignation became effective on Tuesday. Aurora has stated that his departure from the board was amicable and did not result from any disagreements with the company’s direction.

Historical Connection Between Uber and Aurora

The relationship between Uber and Aurora Innovation extends back to 2020. At that time, Uber divested its self-driving vehicle division, Uber ATG, to Aurora.

This transaction involved Uber transferring its equity in ATG and making a $400 million investment into Aurora, securing a 26% ownership stake in the newly combined entity. As part of this agreement, Khosrowshahi was appointed to Aurora’s board.

Ongoing Collaboration Through Uber Freight

Uber continues to maintain a connection with Aurora through its freight brokerage platform, Uber Freight, which links shippers with carriers. A multi-year partnership was announced in June.

This collaboration aims to integrate trucks utilizing Aurora’s autonomous driving technology into the Uber Freight network.

Diversified Partnerships in Autonomous Trucking

It’s important to note that Uber’s involvement in autonomous trucking isn’t limited to Aurora. The company also has a strategic partnership with Waabi.

Waabi is a self-driving truck startup founded by Raquel Urtasun, who previously held the roles of chief scientist and head of R&D at Uber ATG.

New Board Member and Executive Changes

Shailen Bhatt, currently the senior vice president and chief operating officer for AtkinsRéalis, will be joining Aurora’s board to fill the vacancy left by Khosrowshahi. Bhatt brings experience from his prior work with the Federal Highway Administration.

This board change follows a recent announcement from Nolan Shenai, Aurora’s general counsel, regarding his intention to resign on January 6, 2025. Ossa Fisher, Aurora’s president, will assume Shenai’s responsibilities during the search for a replacement.

This report has been updated to reflect the addition of the new board member and the recent executive departure.