UBER EXECUTIVES QUIT
Departure of president to thrust company deeper into turmoil
SAN FRANCISCO
RIDE services company Uber Technologies Inc has been thrust deeper into turmoil with the departure of company president Jeff Jones, a marketing expert hired to help soften its often abrasive image.
He quit less than seven months after joining the company, said an Uber spokesman on Sunday.
In a statement, Jones said he could not continue as president of a business with which he was incompatible.
“I joined Uber because of its mission and the challenge to build global capabilities that would help the company mature and thrive long term,” he said.
“It is now clear, however, that the beliefs and approach to leadership that have guided my career are inconsistent with what I saw and experienced at Uber, and I can no longer continue as president of the ride-sharing business.”
Jones’ role was put into question after Uber earlier this month launched a search for a chief operating officer (COO) to help run the company alongside chief executive Travis Kalanick.
Jones had been performing some of those COO responsibilities. He joined Uber from Target Corp, where he was chief marketing officer and is credited with modernising the retailer’s brand.
“We want to thank Jones for his six months at the company and wish him all the best,” said the Uber spokesman.
Uber vice-president of maps and business platform Brian McClendon said separately he planned to leave the company at the end of the month to explore politics.
“I’ll be staying on as an adviser,” said McClendon.
Jones and McClendon are the latest in a string of high-level executives to leave the company. Reuters