Uber’s Search for New C.E.O. Hampered by Deep Split on Board
Ms. Whitman, the chief executive of Hewlett Packard Enterprise and a former leader of eBay, appeared to have many of the right traits for the job: experience, maturity, a level head — the kind of qualities
that Travis Kalanick, the Uber co-founder who stepped down as chief executive last month, mostly lacked.
His surrogates had also recently begun talks with the Japanese conglomerate SoftBank about an investment in Uber
that could provide Mr. Kalanick a route to regaining power.
“Our focus remains on driving the company forward and delivering for our customers, partners, employees and shareholders.”
The Uber board — which recently added new members amid a history of internal tensions — is mostly split into two camps.
Representatives for Uber, the company’s board of directors and Mr. Kalanick declined to comment, as did G. E.
“As Meg has made clear, she is fully committed to H. P.E.,” a spokesman for Hewlett Packard Enterprise said.
And at an internal meeting with Uber employees last week, Liane Hornsey, the company’s senior vice president
and head of human resources, said a top candidate was expected to be chosen within the next six weeks.
Some company executives are concerned that Mr. Kalanick could use a SoftBank investment to dilute other
shareholders’ stakes while he continues to buy stock back from employees in a bid to amass power.
Over the past few weeks, Ms. Whitman met with several Uber board members individually, offering advice on how to address the company’s problems.
