Dara Khosrowshahi Resigns from Aurora Innovation Board
Departure Due to External Commitments
In a regulatory filing made on Friday, Dara Khosrowshahi announced his resignation from the board of autonomous vehicle technology company Aurora Innovation. This move comes as a result of his desire to focus on his ongoing responsibilities as CEO of Uber and reduce external board commitments.
Effective Date
Khosrowshahi’s resignation was effective as of Tuesday, according to the filing. This decision not only affects his role at Aurora but also highlights the complex web of relationships between leading companies in the tech industry.
Background with Aurora Innovation
Aurora Innovation is a significant player in autonomous vehicle technology, and Khosrowshahi’s departure marks an interesting chapter in its development. In 2020, Uber offloaded its own self-driving unit, Uber ATG, to Aurora as part of a deal that involved Uber handing over its equity in ATG and investing $400 million into the company.
Partnership with Uber
This deal gave Uber a 26% stake in the combined entity and cemented its relationship with Aurora. Through this partnership, Uber’s freight brokerage platform, Uber Freight, has maintained its connection with Aurora. In June of this year, Uber and Aurora announced a multi-year collaboration to put trucks powered by Aurora’s technology on the Uber Freight network.
Non-Exclusive Relationship
It’s worth noting that Uber’s relationship with Aurora is not exclusive. The company also has a deal with Waabi, the self-driving truck startup founded by Raquel Urtasun, who had previously served as chief scientist and head of R&D at Uber ATG. This highlights the complex landscape of partnerships within the tech industry.
New Board Member
Shailen Bhatt, senior vice president and chief operating officer for AtkinsRéalis, will join Aurora’s board in Khosrowshahi’s place. Bhatt brings a unique perspective to the table with his background working for the Federal Highway Administration.
Recent Executive Departure at Aurora
This news comes on the heels of Nolan Shenai, Aurora’s general counsel, sharing 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.
Industry Impact
Khosrowshahi’s decision to leave the board marks a significant shift in the leadership dynamics at Aurora Innovation. As autonomous vehicle technology continues to advance and partnerships between leading companies evolve, this move serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape within the tech industry.
Aurora Innovation: A Pioneer in Autonomous Vehicles
As one of the leading players in autonomous vehicle technology, Aurora Innovation is at the forefront of innovation in the sector. Its partnership with Uber underscores the potential for collaboration and growth within the industry.
Conclusion
Dara Khosrowshahi’s resignation from the board of Aurora Innovation marks a significant development in the company’s journey towards achieving its goals in autonomous vehicle technology. As the industry continues to evolve, partnerships between leading companies will remain a key factor in driving innovation forward.
Additional Reporting by TechCrunch
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