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Uber has announced the appointment of its first chief operating officer since 2019, marking a significant shakeup in senior leadership at the ride-hailing company. Andrew Macdonald, who currently serves as Uber’s head of mobility, has been named president and chief operating officer with immediate effect, according to public filings. In his new role, Macdonald will be responsible for overseeing both the mobility and food delivery divisions of the business, reporting directly to chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi.
The decision to appoint Macdonald as COO comes as Uber looks to expand its offerings beyond ride-hailing and food delivery, aiming to become a leading platform for a variety of services, including restaurant bookings and retail. Khosrowshahi emphasized the importance of increasing engagement across the entire platform, with Macdonald playing a key role in driving growth and co-ordination across different business segments.
In an internal memo to Uber employees, Khosrowshahi reassured them of his commitment to the company, stating, “I have no plans to go anywhere anytime soon.” This move will allow Khosrowshahi to delegate some of his day-to-day responsibilities, giving Macdonald more autonomy in decision-making processes.
As part of the reorganization, newly appointed heads of mobility and delivery will report to Macdonald, along with a new head of autonomous mobility and delivery. The departure of Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty, Uber’s head of delivery, was also announced, marking the end of his nearly 13-year tenure at the company.
With Macdonald set to relocate from Toronto to New York, where many of Uber’s leadership team is based, he will be granted $5 million in stock subject to time and performance objectives. This strategic move underscores Uber’s commitment to streamlining its operations and driving growth in key areas of the business.
Khosrowshahi’s leadership at Uber has been instrumental in steering the company towards profitability, with the ride-hailing giant achieving its first annual operating profit in 2023 under his guidance. Despite some uncertainties about his future, Khosrowshahi’s dedication and work ethic have been commended by former colleagues and industry insiders.
The appointment of Andrew Macdonald as COO signals a new chapter for Uber as it continues to evolve and expand its reach in the competitive tech industry. With a focus on innovation and strategic growth, Uber is poised to solidify its position as a leader in the mobility and delivery space under the leadership of Khosrowshahi and Macdonald.
