Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has resigned from the board of Aurora Innovation, an autonomous vehicle technology company. The resignation, effective Tuesday, was revealed in a regulatory filing on Friday.
Khosrowshahi’s departure stems from a desire to focus on his responsibilities at Uber and reduce external board commitments. Aurora Innovation confirmed that the decision was not driven by any disagreement with the company.
Khosrowshahi’s ties to Aurora date back to 2020, when Uber sold its self-driving unit, Uber ATG, to Aurora. Uber invested $400 million in Aurora as part of the deal and received a 26% stake in the combined company. Khosrowshahi joined Aurora’s board as part of the agreement, marking the beginning of a close collaboration.
Even after offloading its self-driving division, Uber maintained its connection with Aurora through Uber Freight, its platform linking shippers and carriers. In June 2024, both companies announced a multi-year partnership to integrate trucks powered by Aurora’s autonomous technology into the Uber Freight network.
Despite Khosrowshahi’s exit, Uber’s ties to autonomous trucking remain strong. Beyond Aurora, Uber also collaborates with Waabi, a self-driving truck startup founded by Raquel Urtasun, the former chief scientist and head of R&D at Uber ATG. This diversified approach highlights Uber’s continued interest in advancing autonomous logistics solutions.
Aurora stated in the filing,
“Dara Khosrowshahi’s decision to leave the board was not the result of any disagreement with the company.”
Khosrowshahi’s resignation reflects his focus on steering Uber’s growth while maintaining the company’s strategic partnerships in the autonomous trucking sector. Aurora and Uber’s collaboration, along with Uber’s ties to other innovators like Waabi, underscores their commitment to shaping the future of autonomous freight.