2017 really can’t get much worse. That thought must have crossed Uber executives minds on Monday when it was announced that their VP of Global Vehicle Progams had resigned. The man in question, Sherif Marakby joined Uber in 2017 after a 25-year long career working for Ford Motor Company. He was instrumental in helping Uber launch its self driving pilot program in Pittsburgh and his loss will undoubtedly be keenly felt.
It’s not clear why Sherif Marakby might have parted ways with the ride-sharing giant, although Uber has made it clear that the decision has nothing to do with the ongoing lawsuit with Waymo. There has be no word as to whether his departure was in any way related to the sexual harassment scandals currently plaguing the firm.
Regardless of the circumstance, Sherif Marakby struck an upbeat note in his departing statement “Self-driving is one of the most interesting challenges I’ve worked on my career, and I’m grateful to have contributed to what will soon be a safer future for everyone”.
This is just another chapter in an awful year for Uber. They have had what can only been described as an exodus among their top executives, including their president who stepped down 6 months into his tenure. On top of this, their self driving cars have been involved in crashes and they have been forced to leave Italy in a surprising court decision.
This departure only serves to highlight the difficulties that Uber is already facing in 2017. Mr Marakby’s departure will only serve to highlight the problems that the ride-sharing giant is having holding on to its top talent. Whether Uber will be able to navigate these troubled waters remains to be seen. The real question is, how many scandals can Uber weather before shareholder lose faith?
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