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Uber Appoints Waymo's Former CFO to Drive Autonomous Vehicle Strategy

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 13:08 GMT by TechCrunch
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM

San Francisco, CA - February 4th, 2026 - Uber today announced the appointment of Sarah Chen as its new Chief Financial Officer, a move widely interpreted as a signal of the ride-sharing giant's intensified commitment to autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. Chen, formerly the CFO of Waymo, takes the reins immediately, replacing outgoing CFO, Michael Klein, who is retiring after a decade with the company. The timing of the appointment is no coincidence, coinciding with Uber's stated acceleration of its AV development and deployment programs, a strategy that has become increasingly central to the company's long-term vision.

Chen's arrival isn't simply a personnel change; it's a strategic infusion of expertise. Her deep experience within the AV space, honed during her tenure at Waymo, positions her uniquely to guide Uber through the complex financial and logistical challenges of bringing self-driving technology to scale. Prior to Waymo, Chen held key financial leadership positions at both Tesla and General Motors, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the entire automotive value chain, from manufacturing and supply chains to regulatory compliance and consumer adoption.

"Sarah's deep understanding of the technology landscape and her proven track record in the automotive industry make her an ideal fit for Uber as we accelerate our autonomous vehicle strategy," stated Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi in a press release. This statement reinforces the idea that AV technology isn't just a part of Uber's future, but the driving force behind it.

The Road to Autonomy: A Shifting Landscape

Uber's foray into autonomous vehicles has been a long and often turbulent one. After initial ambitious plans to develop a fully in-house AV system, the company faced setbacks including a fatal pedestrian incident in 2018, leading to a temporary suspension of testing. In recent years, Uber shifted its strategy, focusing on partnerships and acquisitions to accelerate development rather than a purely organic approach. They've established collaborations with numerous AV technology providers, including Motional and Aurora, integrating their systems into Uber's ride-hailing network in limited pilot programs.

The appointment of Chen suggests a move beyond simply integrating existing technologies. Analysts believe she'll be instrumental in shaping a more cohesive, financially sustainable AV strategy. The cost of developing and deploying AV technology is immense, encompassing not only research and development but also the infrastructure required for maintenance, data processing, and regulatory approvals. Chen's expertise will be critical in allocating capital efficiently and demonstrating a clear path to profitability, something Wall Street has been eagerly awaiting.

Profitability Pressure and the Driver Dilemma

The context surrounding this appointment is crucial. Uber continues to face ongoing scrutiny regarding its profitability. While revenue has steadily increased, achieving consistent profits remains a challenge. The company's traditional ride-hailing model relies heavily on a large pool of independent contractor drivers, a system that is increasingly under pressure from regulatory challenges concerning worker classification and benefits. Several states have implemented, or are considering, legislation that could significantly increase the cost of employing drivers, potentially eroding Uber's margins.

The rise of autonomous vehicles is therefore viewed as a long-term solution to these challenges. Eliminating the need for human drivers would drastically reduce operating costs, potentially unlocking significant profitability. However, widespread deployment is still years away, and Uber must navigate a complex web of regulatory hurdles and public acceptance concerns.

What to Expect from Chen's Leadership

Industry observers predict that Chen will prioritize several key areas. Firstly, a rigorous assessment of Uber's AV investments will likely take place, streamlining projects and focusing resources on the most promising technologies. Secondly, expect a renewed emphasis on financial discipline across the entire organization, ensuring that every dollar spent contributes to the overarching goal of achieving autonomous vehicle leadership. Thirdly, she will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping Uber's public narrative around AV safety and reliability, building trust with regulators and the public.

The coming months will be critical as Chen begins to implement her vision. Her success will not only determine Uber's financial future but also potentially reshape the landscape of urban transportation. The race to deploy safe, reliable, and commercially viable autonomous vehicles is heating up, and Uber, under Chen's financial guidance, is clearly positioning itself to be a major player.