Uber executive Emil Michael steps down as critical report looms
Speculation is growing that embattled chief executive Travis Kalanick may take a leave of absence for several months.
Monday 12 June 2017 21:13, UK
A senior Uber executive has left the company a day before the results of a far-reaching inquiry into the firm's management and workplace culture are made public.
Emil Michael, a senior vice president, is stepping down from the cab-hailing business and a Reuters report suggests Uber chief executive Travis Kalanick is also likely to take a leave of absence.
On Sunday, the board voted unanimously to adopt all of the recommendations made by a law firm hired to investigate deep-seated cultural problems at Uber, which has been rocked by allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and discrimination.
The recommendations made by former attorney general Eric Holder are set to be released on Tuesday.
Last week, Uber fired 20 employees after 215 harassment complaints were reviewed by another law firm in a separate investigation.
Under Mr Kalanick, the Uber app has revolutionised the taxi industry in hundreds of cities. Now valued at close to $70bn (£55bn), it has fast become the world's most valuable start-up.
However, the chief executive has acknowledged that his management style requires improvement - with the 40-year-old recently admitting he needed to "fundamentally change and grow up".
Earlier this year, Mr Kalanick made headlines after a dashcam video recorded him losing his temper with an Uber driver who had complained about pay.
He has recently spent time away from the business after his mother died in a boating accident in May.
Although Uber's woes have not hit its growth, some analysts say its problems will not be fixed unless there is a change in leadership.