Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of Uber, has stepped down from the board of Aurora Innovation, the autonomous vehicle technology company. This decision, effective Tuesday, was confirmed through a regulatory filing made by Aurora on Friday. Khosrowshahi explained that his resignation stems from his desire to concentrate on his responsibilities as CEO of Uber and to reduce his external board commitments. The company clarified that Khosrowshahi’s departure was not related to any disagreements with Aurora, reinforcing the amicable nature of the decision.
Khosrowshahi’s relationship with Aurora Innovation dates back to 2020 when Uber transferred its self-driving division, Uber ATG (Advanced Technologies Group), to Aurora. As part of the deal, Uber invested $400 million into Aurora, securing a 26% stake in the merged company. Following the agreement, Khosrowshahi joined the board of Aurora as part of Uber’s ongoing commitment to the self-driving and autonomous vehicle space.
Over the years, Uber has maintained a collaborative relationship with Aurora, particularly through its Uber Freight platform, which connects shippers and carriers. In June 2024, Uber and Aurora extended their partnership with the announcement of a multi-year collaboration. The deal aims to integrate trucks equipped with Aurora’s autonomous technology into Uber Freight’s logistics network. However, Uber’s connection with Aurora is not exclusive, as the company has also formed ties with Waabi, another self-driving truck startup led by Raquel Urtasun, a former Uber ATG executive.
In a move to fill the void left by Khosrowshahi’s resignation, Aurora appointed Shailen Bhatt to its board. Bhatt, who currently serves as the senior vice president and COO of AtkinsRéalis, brings a wealth of experience, including his tenure at the Federal Highway Administration.
Khosrowshahi’s resignation from Aurora’s board comes just weeks after another significant change within Aurora. Nolan Shenai, the company’s general counsel, announced his intention to step down from his position, effective January 6, 2025. Ossa Fisher, Aurora’s president, will take over Shenai’s duties while the company searches for a permanent replacement.
Khosrowshahi’s departure from the Aurora board signifies a shift in priorities as he focuses on leading Uber through its next phase of growth, including the company’s continued investments in autonomous vehicle technologies and logistics. Despite his resignation, Uber’s strategic partnership with Aurora remains intact, reinforcing the ride-hailing giant’s commitment to autonomous innovation in the transportation industry.
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