Dara Khosrowshahi Resigns from Aurora Innovation Board

Aurora Announces New Board Member, Shailen Bhatt

In a recent regulatory filing, Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, has submitted his resignation from the board of autonomous vehicle technology company Aurora Innovation. The decision was effective as of Tuesday, citing a desire to focus on his ongoing responsibilities as CEO of Uber and reduce external board commitments.

Background: Aurora and Uber’s Long-Term Partnership

Khosrowshahi’s departure from the Aurora board is not unexpected, given the significant stake that Uber holds in the company. In 2020, Uber offloaded its self-driving unit, ATG (Autonomous Technology Group), to Aurora as part of a deal worth $400 million. The agreement granted Uber a 26% stake in the combined entity and paved the way for a long-term partnership between the two companies.

Through this strategic collaboration, Uber’s freight brokerage platform, Uber Freight, maintained its connection with Aurora by integrating trucks powered by Aurora’s technology into its network. In June, the two companies announced a multi-year agreement to further expand their cooperation, solidifying their position in the autonomous vehicle market.

Aurora’s Relationship with Other Players in the Industry

While Aurora has a significant partnership with Uber, it is worth noting that the company also collaborates with other key players in the industry. In particular, Waabi, a self-driving truck startup founded by Raquel Urtasun (a former executive at Uber ATG), has a deal with Aurora.

New Board Member: Shailen Bhatt

To fill the vacancy left by Khosrowshahi’s resignation, Aurora has appointed Shailen Bhatt as its new board member. Bhatt is currently serving as senior vice president and chief operating officer for AtkinsRéalis. With his background working at the Federal Highway Administration, he brings valuable expertise to the table.

Recent Executive Departure: Nolan Shenai

Khosrowshahi’s decision to leave the Aurora board comes just a couple of weeks after Nolan Shenai, the company’s general counsel, announced 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.

The Future of Autonomous Vehicles

As the autonomous vehicle industry continues to evolve, companies like Aurora and Uber are playing a crucial role in shaping its future. With significant investments being made in this space, it is essential for these organizations to have the right leadership in place to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

In conclusion, Khosrowshahi’s resignation from the Aurora board marks an important chapter in the company’s journey. As it looks to the future, Aurora will undoubtedly continue to innovate and expand its offerings in the autonomous vehicle market.

Key Takeaways

• Dara Khosrowshahi has resigned from the board of Aurora Innovation.
• The decision was effective as of Tuesday, citing a desire to focus on his role at Uber.
• Shailen Bhatt has been appointed as the new board member for Aurora Innovation.
• Nolan Shenai, the company’s general counsel, is stepping down and will be replaced by Ossa Fisher.

Related News

• Netradyne raises $90 million in funding to expand its smart dashcams for commercial fleets.
• Character AI tests its games on the web using AI-powered gaming technology.
• Big Tech expands its reach with new startup acquisitions and investments.