Uber Offers a Thankless Job, and the Applications Flood In
Mr. Kalanick, who remains a significant Uber shareholder, has been active in the search for his replacement, according to two of the
people familiar with the candidates, although the candidates have been assured that they would have autonomy as chief executive
The company has received a flood of interest since Mr. Kalanick vacated his seat in June, and Uber’s board has interviewed multiple candidates.
Despite a series of scandals that have rocked Uber to its core this year, competition for the chief executive position is
robust, according to people familiar with the search who asked to remain anonymous because the process is confidential.
Despite Uber’s problems, executives see an opportunity to shepherd the company — which operates in more than 80 countries
and pulls in billions of dollars each quarter — through the most trying time in its eight-year history.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who’s wired for problem solving
and wants to make their mark by turning around the image of the company,” said Jason Hanold, managing partner at Hanold Associates, a boutique executive search firm.
Mr. Bain, Mr. Cush, Ms. Mayer, Mr. Staggs and Mr. Arora did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
As a result, changes made by a new chief would affect millions of people globally, not to mention
Uber’s work force of more than 15,000 employees and hundreds of thousands of contract drivers.
Some candidates have expressed concern over how Uber’s board operates, especially because Mr. Kalanick retains a seat.
