Dara Khosrowshahi: The Visionary CEO Transforming Uber

Dara Khosrowshahi leads the world's largest ride-sharing company, Uber. Since replacing founder Travis Kalanick as its CEO in 2017, he has strengthened the core of the business while expanding into food delivery and freight logistics. Under his watch, Uber has evolved into a disciplined, multi-service platform with the scale, reach, and momentum to influence how people and goods move around the world. This is his story.

Key insights

• Career breakthrough: In 1998, Dara Khosrowshahi met media mogul Barry Diller, who brought him into IAC and set his career on a new trajectory.

• Persuaded by Daniel Ek: Initially turning down the offer to lead Uber, he was persuaded by the Spotify CEO to take the role as a chance to create a meaningful impact.

• Transforming Uber: Since becoming CEO in 2017, Dara has expanded Uber into multiple segments and guided it to profitability while preserving its rapid growth.

Background and early career

Dara Khosrowshahi was born in Iran in 1969. When the Iranian Revolution began in 1979, his family left the country, first moving to France and then to the United States. They settled in Tarrytown, New York, initially living with Dara's uncle.

After high school, Dara attended Brown University, earning a bachelor's degree in engineering. He began his career in 1991 as an analyst at the investment bank Allen & Company, eventually rising to vice president at the firm. During these years, he crossed paths with Barry Diller, Chairman and CEO of the media group, which is now known as IAC. Diller quickly recognized Dara's talent and brought him into the company in 1998.

IAC and Expedia with Barry Diller

Dara Khosrowshahi joined IAC in 1998, working across its portfolio of travel brands and serving as its CFO. In 2002, IAC acquired Expedia and began building it into a leading global online travel company. Three years later, as part of Expedia's spin-off from IAC, Dara was appointed the company's CEO.

During what would become a 12-year tenure, he expanded Expedia's market share, diversified its offerings, and strengthened its global reach. The experience cemented his reputation as a leader who could scale and manage complex, international operations – qualities that would prepare him for his next challenge.

Chance to make an impact

In 2017, a headhunter approached Dara about becoming CEO of Uber, which was seeking a replacement for founder Travis Kalanick. At the time, Uber was both one of the fastest-growing and controversial companies in the world due to its disruptive and aggressive approach. Dara initially declined, content in his role at Expedia.

However, he would soon change his mind after a conversation with his friend Daniel Ek. The Spotify CEO, who actually had led the headhunter to Dara for the role, challenged his hesitation: “Dara, since when is life about having fun? It's about having impact. This is important. You can do this,” Dara recalled in a 2023 episode of Acquired. The appeal to impact persuaded him to take on the challenge, and in a few months, the role was his.

Leading disruption with Uber

Dara Khosrowshahi became CEO at a time when Uber faced legal battles, reputational crises, and mounting losses. His first priorities were to stabilize operations, improve governance, and repair the company's public image. With a more diplomatic and measured style than his predecessor, he began rebuilding relationships with regulators and stakeholders while steering Uber toward profitability.

Once the core business was on firmer footing, Dara initiated and led a broader strategic shift to position Uber as a multi-service platform. Under his leadership, Uber Eats became a major global food delivery player, while Uber Freight expanded into logistics, connecting shippers with truck drivers. These businesses broadened the company's revenue base and now stand as important drivers of its strong cash flow.

He also advanced long-term bets on future mobility, including autonomous vehicles, while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation. This dual focus on growth and shareholder returns sets Uber apart from many other fast-growing companies.

Conclusion

From growing up in Iran to beginning his career as an analyst, Dara Khosrowshahi's path to becoming the CEO of Uber is one of those career stories that stand out. During his tenure, he has stabilized the company, expanded into delivery, logistics, and new mobility technologies, and reshaped its overall trajectory. Now, he leads Uber into a phase where strong cash flow and disciplined growth support its ambitions for the years ahead.