Expedia’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has been named as the new boss of ride-hailing specialist Uber, after days of speculation that he would get the job.
Iranian-born Khosrowshahi, who has been in charge at Expedia since 2005, was selected by Uber's board as the replacement for former CEO Travis Kalanick, who resigned in June following a series of scandals and pressure from investors to step down.
Expedia's board moved quickly to appoint its current chief financial officer Mark Okerstrom as its new CEO.
“We are delighted to announce that Uber’s Board has voted unanimously to appoint Dara Khosrowshahi to be our new CEO,” said Uber in a statement on its website.
“We’re really fortunate to gain a leader with Dara’s experience, talent and vision.
“The board and the executive leadership team are confident that Dara is the best person to lead Uber into the future building world-class products, transforming cities, and adding value to the lives of drivers and riders around the world while continuously improving our culture and making Uber the best place to work.”
During his time at Expedia, Khosrowshahi turned the company into one of the largest online travel agencies with brands including TMC Egencia, Hotels.com, Trivago, Orbitz, Traveldoo and Silverrail.
Khosrowshahi made the keynote speech at the Business Travel Show in London in 2014 – read BBT editor Paul Revel’s interview with him.
Okerstrom, Expedia's new boss, has been CFO and executive vice president of operations at the company since 2011.
Expedia's chairman Barry Diller said: "We all wish Dara Khosrowshahi the best good fortune as Uber's CEO. I think we are both proud that he leaves behind such a talented organisation.
"Prior to Dara leaving, Mark Okerstrom was his principal partner in operating the company - and therefore this transition is as natural as water flowing down a snow-packed mountain. There was no other candidate that the board considered."