Ride hailing app Uber has announced Dara Khosrowshahi will take up the role of chief executive with the company.
He was approved unanimously by the board earlier today.
Khosrowshahi became chief executive of Expedia in 2006, where he built into one of the world’s leading travel and technology companies, now operating in more than 60 countries.
He announced his acceptance in an email to Expedia staff.
“I have to tell you I am scared,” he wrote.
“This has been one of the toughest decisions of my life.”
Former Uber chief executive, founder Travis Kalanick, stepped down earlier this year with the company mired in scandal.
Questions over a sexist culture and bully continue to dog the company.
Kalanick expressed his support for the new chief executive.
In a statement he said: “Casting a vote for the next chief executive of Uber was a big moment for me and I couldn’t be happier to pass the torch to such an inspiring leader.”
Khosrowshahi grew up in Tarrytown, Ney York, trained as an engineer at Brown, and spent many years at IAC serving as chief financial officer and in various operational and strategic roles.
A statement from Uber read: “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.”
Khosrowshahi will later address Uber employees in an “all hands” meeting and explain his vision for the company.