Uber, the troubled ride-hailing company’s attempt to replace deposed CEO, Travis Kalanick has not gone according to how they would have expected. The company is trying to regain its lost reputation following a reign defined by highflying growth and a toxic brand of corporate machismo.
To restore credibility to customers and – perhaps more importantly – with potential employees in a tight marketplace for talent, Uber started its search for a female CEO, but in the wake of Kalanick’s departure, some A-list female executives have made it clear they are not interested in the role.
Indeed, after a comprehensive nationwide search that involved profusely scouring through binders full of women across corporate America, the company has come up short. There are no women left on its current shortlist, which is down to three CEO candidates, according to people familiar with the head-hunt, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter freely.
Facebook’s COO, Sheryl Sandberg, was a top pick for the role, but she is not interested in the job. Neither is Susan Wojcicki, Chief of Google-owned YouTube. General Motors’ Chief Executive, Mary Barra and EasyJet’s CEO, Carolyn McCall, were also reportedly approached, but nothing panned out. Last week, HP Chief Executive, Meg Whitman also conspicuously took herself out of the running with a post on Twitter.
While it is still unclear who will become Uber’s next boss, the board expects to decide by August. The position is now likely to be filled by a white man, possibly one that hails from one of the most old school of American industries. Outgoing GE Chairman Jeffrey R. Immelt is likely among the top candidates. The names of the other two are still unknown.
