Two prominent executives, including the president who joined Uber just six months ago, are leaving the company, another sign of tumult as the ride-hailing service continues to grapple with months of scandal.

Jeff Jones was courted away from Target last September to serve as president of Uber’s ride-sharing business. His departure comes just weeks after CEO Travis Kalanick said he would seek “leadership help” and announced plans to hire a chief operating officer.

Jones told tech news site Recode: “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.”

Recode first reported the departures and they were later confirmed by a spokeswoman.

“We want to thank Jeff for his six months at the company and wish him all the best,” the company said in a statement.

Also departing this month is Brian McClendon, the vice president of maps and business platform. He plans to return to his native Kansas and explore a career in politics, he said in a statement provided by the company. “This fall’s election and the current fiscal crisis in Kansas is driving me to more fully participate in our democracy – and I want to do that in the place I call home,” he said.

They join a larger exodus of executives since Uber’s troubles began in January. Others to depart the company in recent months include Ed Baker, the vice president for product and growth, Raffi Krikorian, a senior engineering director, and Gary Marcus, whose company Uber acquired in December.


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