Embattled Uber president quits

Uber has confirmed the resignation of its president Jeff Jones just six months after taking the job.

The Uber headquarters

Uber has confirmed the resignation of its president just six months after taking the job. (AAP)

Jeff Jones, the president of the embattled ride-hailing company Uber, has resigned just six months after taking the job.

Uber has confirmed Jones' resignation and in a brief statement wished him the best.

Jones' departure comes days after Uber CEO Travis Kalanick said the company will hire a chief operating officer who can help write its "next chapter."

The San Francisco-based firm has been hit by several controversies, including allegations that it routinely ignores sexual harassment. A recent video showed Kalanick profanely berating a driver who confronted him about steep cuts in Uber's rates.

Uber also acknowledged it has used a program to thwart authorities who have been trying to curtail or shut down its service in cities around the world.

Jones had left Target, where he was chief marketing officer, to join Uber in September.

In a note to staff, Kalanick suggested Jones had left because he was upset that plans had been announced to hire another executive who would have outranked him.

"After we announced our intention to hire a COO (chief operating officer), Jeff came to the tough decision that he doesn't see his future at Uber," he wrote.

Google sister company Waymo is currently suing Uber for allegedly stealing its self-driving car technology and infringing its patents.

Kalanick also was criticised recently when he was filmed shouting at an Uber driver, afterwards admitting that he needed to "grow up" and get "leadership help." He later announced the COO appointment.


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Source: AAP



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