Overview
Dara Khosrowshahi is an accomplished public figure known for his role as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Uber Technologies Inc. since August 2017. Highly regarded for his leadership and strategic vision, Khosrowshahi has extensive experience in the technology and travel industries, having previously served as the CEO of Expedia Group. His tenure at Uber marks a transformative period for the company, focusing on improving corporate culture and expanding global market presence.
Professional Background
Current Role: CEO of Uber Technologies Inc.
- Tenure: August 2017 – Present
- Scope of Management: Oversees Uber’s global operations across more than 70 countries.
- Board Membership: Serves on Uber’s Board of Directors.
Previous Roles
- CEO of Expedia Group:
- Tenure: August 2005 – August 2017.
- Achievements: Grew Expedia into one of the world’s largest online travel companies through strategic acquisitions and heavy investment in mobile technologies. Notable acquisitions under his leadership include Travelocity, Orbitz, and HomeAway.
- Employee Recognition: Named one of the Highest Rated CEOs on Glassdoor.
- Board Memberships: Serves on the boards of Expedia and Catalyst.org. Previously on the board of The New York Times Company.
Other Professional Experience
- Allen & Company: Started his career as an analyst in 1991.
- IAC/InterActiveCorp: Held various roles, including CFO of IAC Travel, contributing to the acquisition and spin-off of Expedia.
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering: Brown University.
Personal Background
- Birth: May 28, 1969, Tehran, Iran.
- Family and Early Life: Fled Iran during the Iranian Revolution and settled in Tarrytown, New York. His family was affluent and influential in Iran, involved in diverse businesses under the Alborz Investment Company. His early life was marked by political exile and eventual immigration to the United States.
Leadership and Strategy
Khosrowshahi is known for his strategic oversight, business acumen, and ability to steer companies through significant transformations:
- Uber Transformation: Took over during a tumultuous time for Uber, emphasizing ethical business practices and customer-centric values.
- IPO Management: Led Uber’s initial public offering in May 2019, substantially raising the company’s market presence.
Awards and Recognitions
- Pacific Northwest Entrepreneur of the Year (2013): Awarded by Ernst & Young.
- Named among Highest Paid CEOs (2016): Total compensation in 2023 was $24.3 million, a 22% increase from the previous year.
Advocacy and Public Positions
- Immigration Policies: Outspoken critic of the U.S. immigration policies under Donald Trump.
- Charitable Efforts: Active in refugee advocacy, influenced by his personal experience as a refugee.
Personal Life
- Family: Married Sydney Shapiro in 2012, with whom he has twin sons diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Additionally, he has two children from a previous marriage.
- Philanthropy: Engages in speaking engagements and supports autism-related foundations.
Professional Interests
Khosrowshahi continues to focus on leveraging technology to transform traditional industries, underscoring the importance of mobile integration, customer obsession, and ethical corporate governance.
