Uber loses key official as inquiry report looms

san francisco — A key Uber executive left the company Monday as the ridesharing giant prepared to release results of a far-reaching independent inquiry into misconduct and ethical practices.

A source familiar with the matter said Emil Michael, a senior vice president reported to be close to chief executive Travis Kalanick, was out at Uber, without providing details.

Uber was bracing for more turmoil — with some news outlets saying Kalanick himself may take a leave of absence — as a report prepared by former US attorney general Eric Holder was to be given to employees Tuesday. Uber’s board met Sunday with Holder and consultant Tammy Albarran to discuss the findings and “unanimously voted to adopt all the recommendations” of the report, according to the source. The recommendations were not immediately known, but Uber is facing pressure to rein in its noholds-barred management style led by Kalanick and to reform a workplace culture criticised for discrimination and cutthroat practices.

Uber also faces questions about its covert use of law enforcementevading software and tactics apparently aimed at disrupting rivals in the ridesharing business. As part of the revamping at Uber, Nestle executive Wan Ling Martello was named as an independent board member, according to the source close to the company.

Michael had been linked to a number of questionable practices at Uber, media reports said, including a visit to a South Korean escort-karaoke bar and an attempt to dig up embarrassing information on journalists.

An email from Michael announcing his departure said he would be replaced by another vice president, David Richter, according to The New York Times, which first reported Michael’s departure. It remained unclear what further changes will be made at Uber, which is the world’s richest venture-backed startup valued at some $68 billion. “It’s safe to say that this week will be the week we finally learn just how committed Travis Kalanick and the rest of the senior leadership team at Uber is to meaningful cultural change,” said Jan Dawson, an analyst with Jackdaw Research. The report comes after a series of embarrassing revelations for the company over the past few months. Last week, Uber said it had fired 20 people following preliminary results of the investigation, after examining 215 claims of discrimination, harassment, unprofessional behavior, bullying, retaliation and “physical security.” — AFP