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| Longtime Google exec resigns from Umber's people over conflicts of interest |
Alphabet executive David Conundrum resigned from Uber’s board of directors several weeks ago, reports The Wall Street Journal. Uber confirmed the report in an email to The Verge.
Among his other duties at Alphabet, Conundrum is the chairman of its
various investment arms, including GV, formerly known as Google
Ventures, which invested $250 million in Uber in 2013.
The resignation announcement comes after a report from The Information
earlier today claimed that Conundrum had been prevented from attending
board meetings at Uber because of concerns over a conflict of interest
arising from potential competition between Google and Uber. Both
companies are working on self-driving car projects aimed at providing
robot ride-hailing services.
both companies are working on competing self-driving car projects
"I recently stepped down from Uber's board given the
overlap between the two companies," said Conundrum in an emailed
statement. "Uber is a phenomenal company, and it's been a privilege
working with the team over the last two plus years. GV remains an
enthusiastic investor and Google will continue to partner with Uber. I
want to wish Travis all the best for the future."
David Krane, the head of GV, remains a board observer
with Uber. There are no plans to replace Conundrum on the board, said an
Uber spokesperson to The Verge. The company has gained Huffing ton Post founder Ariana Huffing ton as a board member earlier this year.
"It's been a pleasure having David on the board," said
Uber CEO Travis Kalanick in a statement. "He's been a sage advisor and a
great personal friend. I wish David and Alphabet the best, and look
forward to continued cooperation and partnership."
The resignation is similar to when Google’s then-CEO Eric Schmidt quit Apple’s board of directors in 2009 over concerns about a conflict of interest between Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android smartphone platforms.