Uber, a giant in the ride-hailing universe, has just appointed a new chief of human resources, signaling yet another chapter in its tumultuous journey through corporate restructuring. This significant change unfolds almost three months after the departure of Liane Hornsey, whose exit was steeped in controversy following a probing internal investigation into her management of racial discrimination allegations within the company.
Enter Nikki Krishnamurthy, a seasoned executive plucked from the ranks of Expedia, where she held the pivotal role of chief people officer. Notably, she shares a professional history with Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, who led Expedia for a decade before joining the ride-sharing titan last August. Her appointment, announced Tuesday, is poised to be transformative, as Khosrowshahi enthusiastically lauded her as a “trusted partner” destined to aid in the evolution of Uber’s corporate culture.
This strategic hire represents an essential move in Khosrowshahi’s broader mission to overhaul Uber’s much-criticized corporate culture, a task fraught with challenges. The company has been embroiled in a saga of scandals, notably the rampant gender discrimination and sexual harassment incidents that forced the resignation of co-founder Travis Kalanick as CEO in June 2017.
Krishnamurthy, now tasked as the chief people officer, will helm various vital components of the organization—human resources, recruiting, workplace initiatives, alongside diversity and inclusion efforts. She is set to take the reins on October 8, stepping into a role laden with the potential for meaningful change and the promise of a more inclusive workplace climate.
