Dara Khosrowshahi Resigns from Aurora Innovation Board
A Desire to Focus on Uber Responsibilities
Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, has resigned from the board of autonomous vehicle technology company Aurora Innovation. According to a recent regulatory filing, Khosrowshahi’s decision to step down was effective as of Tuesday.
No Disagreement with Aurora
Aurora has stated that Khosrowshahi’s departure was not due to any disagreement with the company. This move comes after a significant period of collaboration between Uber and Aurora, which dates back to 2020 when Uber offloaded its self-driving unit, Uber ATG, to Aurora.
Uber’s Stake in Aurora
The deal involved Uber handing over its equity in ATG and investing $400 million into Aurora, giving it a 26% stake in the combined company. As part of this agreement, Khosrowshahi joined Aurora’s board.
Aurora-Uber Collaboration Continues
Despite Khosrowshahi’s resignation, the partnership between Uber and Aurora remains strong. In June, they announced a multi-year collaboration to integrate trucks powered by Aurora’s technology onto the Uber Freight network. However, it is worth noting that this relationship is not exclusive, as Uber also has a deal with Waabi, another self-driving truck startup.
New Board Member Appointed
Shailen Bhatt, senior vice president and chief operating officer for AtkinsRéalis, will join Aurora’s board in Khosrowshahi’s place. Bhatt brings a background working for the Federal Highway Administration to his new role.
Executive Departures at Aurora
Khosrowshahi’s decision to step down from the board comes on the heels of another recent departure. Nolan Shenai, Aurora’s general counsel, announced his intention to step down effective January 6, 2025. Ossa Fisher, Aurora’s president, will take over Shenai’s responsibilities as the company considers his replacement.
Aurora Innovation: A Brief Overview
Aurora Innovation is a leading player in autonomous vehicle technology, with a focus on developing safe and efficient self-driving systems for various applications. The company has received significant investment from major players like Uber and has established partnerships with several industry leaders.
The Future of Autonomous Vehicles
As the demand for autonomous vehicles continues to grow, companies like Aurora Innovation are at the forefront of innovation in this space. With the recent developments in technology and investments in research and development, it will be exciting to see how these companies shape the future of transportation.
Related Developments
- In other news, Tesla has been awarded a $100M grant by the state of Illinois to develop an electric truck charging corridor.
- Waabi, another self-driving truck startup, has announced its plans to integrate its technology with major logistics providers.
Conclusion
Dara Khosrowshahi’s resignation from the board of Aurora Innovation marks an important development in the ongoing evolution of autonomous vehicle technology. As companies like Aurora continue to push the boundaries of innovation in this space, we can expect significant advancements in the coming years.
