Recode exclusively reported over the weekend that Uber’s president, Jeff Jones, planned to leave the company. He confirmed it on Sunday, followed by the resignation of Brian McClendon on Monday, the company’s VP of mapping and business.
While Jones cited an inconsistency with his beliefs and the company’s values, McClendon parted ways with the transportation startup to pursue political aspirations in his native state of Kansas.
These two new departures from Uber indicate trouble within the organization, leaving vacant in leadership that most likely won’t be easily filled. CEO Travis Kalanick said he needed help running the company.
Trouble in paradise
The ride-hailing giant has seen a meteoric rise in popularity among mobile users thanks to its business model and app for iOS and Android, but recent indoor conflicts point at what could be Uber’s fall from grace.
Jeff Jones, who arrived just six months ago in October from Target, was hailed by many as a sound choice for chief of operations, a position that made him the second highest-ranking executive in the company.
CEO Travis Kalanick met Jones just a year prior to his recruitment, and they kept in touch because they wanted to work together. The former COO stepped in with great enthusiasm once he learned Uber needed a clear-minded adult.
“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,” Jones wrote in a statement.
Brian McLendon, on the other hand, was reported to leave the transportation firm amicably for personal reasons. The soon-to-be former VP of mapping and business said his departure was long in the works, and that his last day will be March 28.
The executive came from Google’s own mapping division, where he helped develop Google Earth into the successful product it is today. He wants to explore a potential career in politics from his hometown of Lawrence, Kansas, after the recent presidential elections and results.
CEO Travis Kalanick needs a helping hand at the top
This month alone, Uber has seen the departure from at least four different senior members and several engineers, a trend that is expected to continue in lieu of these two recent resignations and the completion of a payment bonus for all employees.
CEO Travis Kalanick seems to be more alone than ever now, particularly after months of scandals including attitude issues from himself and allegations of inappropriate sexual advances by some of his fellow employees.
The chief of Uber broke down under pressure back in February after customers boycotted his ride-sharing service for his role on President Donald Trump’s advisory council. He promptly stepped down from his post and distanced himself from the new administration.
Source: Recode