Less than seven months after stepping in as Uber’s President to integrate the brand’s marketing and operations functions, Jeff Jones is leaving the ride services company. Jones arrived at Uber from Target, where he had most recently served as the retailer’s EVP and CMO since 2012.
In early March, Uber launched a search for a Chief Operating Officer to help run the company alongside CEO Travis Kalanick. Jones oversaw operating responsibilities during his duty, but a new COO would have jumped Jones’ post as second in command to Kalanick.
Jones was critical of the business upon his resignation.
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“I joined Uber because of its mission, and the challenge to build global capabilities that would help the company mature and thrive long term,” Jones said in a statement. “It is now clear, however, that the beliefs and approach to leadership that have guided my career are inconsistent with what I saw and experienced at Uber, and I can no longer continue as president of the ride sharing business.”
Jones’ comments likely stem from the company’s continued controversies in 2017 that have put Kalanick’s leadership capabilities into question.
After a video surfaced earlier this year that showing Kalanick arguing with an Uber driver, the CEO admitted he needed leadership help.
In February, former Uber employee Susan Fowler Rigetti published a blog post describing a workplace where sexual harassment was common and went unpunished. The viral post prompted Uber to launch an independent investigation, led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.
Additionally, The New York Times uncovered Uber’s secret “Greyball” program, established in 2014 to evade authorities worldwide in cities where the service has been banned. Uber later announced it will prohibit the use of the program.
Uber’s VP of Maps and Business Platform, Brian McClendon, said separately he plans to leave the company at the end of March to explore politics, but will stay on as an adviser. Jones has not indicated where his next plans are, or if he will return to a retailer.
