The resignation of Uber CEO and founder Travis Kalanick has left an open spot in the top leadership position on the taxi hailing startup. According to reports, COO of Facebook, Sherly Sandberg is the top runner being considered for the position.
The New York Post reported Arianna Huffington, an Uber board member has pushed for Sandberg’s appointment as the CEO for the scandal ridden company. Sandberg has a track record of implementing workplace policies that are women and family friendly. Sandberg is also an advocate for equality in the workplace and has appealed for federal and corporate policies to benefit working parents including a minimum wage increase, mandated paid parental leave and affordable childcare.
Her strategies as a gender sensitive and family friendly CEO might be what Uber needs at this point. Especially after the sexual harassment allegations and the various other scandals that plagued the billion dollar company, there is a dire need for a strong person to lead the company.
Related: UBER CEO TRAVIS KALANICK TAKES INDEFINITE LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Along with Sheryl Sandberg, former CEO of Yahoo Marissa Mayer is also being considered for the position along with former Disney operating chief Tom Staggs, the Post reported. The contender’s list also includes AOL CEO Tim Armstrong, CVS executive Helena Foulkes and Turner CEO John Martin. Reports also suggest that Hewlett-Packard Enterprise President and CEO Meg Whitman could also be a potential candidate.
Any chief taking over Kalanick’s position will be responsible for the dramatic change that has become necessary for the company to grow any further. Recently valued at $70 billion, Uber has not only been accused of workplace harassment but also of workplace culture, ethics and leadership troubles. Alphabet backed Waymo has also accused Uber of intellectual property theft. The company has also had to fire 20 employees in response to more than 200 complaints.
Sources close to Sherly Sandberg told The Associated Press that even if Sandberg is approached, she has no plans of leaving her current position at Facebook.