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News In Brief Business and Economy

Uber Appoints Indian-Origin Executive Balaji Krishnamurthy as New CFO

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Uber Appoints Indian-Origin Executive Balaji Krishnamurthy as New CFO
05 Feb 2026
4 min read

News Synopsis

Ride-hailing major Uber has announced a key leadership change with the appointment of Indian-origin executive Balaji Krishnamurthy as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective February 16, 2026.

Uber Appoints Balaji Krishnamurthy as Chief Financial Officer

Uber has appointed Balaji Krishnamurthy as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), following the resignation of current CFO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah. The appointment was disclosed through a regulatory filing, confirming that Krishnamurthy will take charge of the company’s global finance operations from February 16, 2026.

"Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah, Chief Financial Officer, will step down from his role on February 16, 2026. Balaji Krishnamurthy, currently Vice President, Strategic Finance, will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer on that date," the company said in a regulatory filing.

Transition Plan and Leadership Continuity

Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah to Remain as Senior Advisor

Although stepping down as CFO, Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah will continue to support Uber during the transition period. He will serve as a senior finance advisor, reporting directly to CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, until July 1, 2026.

Uber highlighted Mahendra-Rajah’s contributions, including helping the company achieve investment-grade status, launching its first share repurchase programme, and guiding Uber through multiple major acquisitions.

"We all wish him the best in an exciting new opportunity that he will share more about soon," Khosrowshahi said.

CEO Dara Khosrowshahi on Balaji Krishnamurthy’s Appointment

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi praised Krishnamurthy’s leadership, experience, and investor trust, highlighting his long-standing role within the company.

"For those who don’t know Balaji, he is trusted by investors, knows Uber's business inside and out, and is a brilliant, decisive strategist. He has worked closely with me and our management team for years, and I am thrilled for him to step up as CFO as we kick off another big year for Uber," Khosrowshahi said.

Balaji Krishnamurthy’s Journey at Uber

Experience and Career Growth

Balaji Krishnamurthy, 41, joined Uber in 2019 and has since held multiple leadership roles:

  • Vice President, Strategic Finance (since 2023)

  • Head of Investor Relations (2020–2023)

Over more than six years at Uber, he has been closely involved in strategic planning, capital allocation, and investor engagement, making him a familiar face to global investors and stakeholders.

Educational Background

Krishnamurthy brings a strong academic foundation to the role:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology

  • MBA from Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon

  • Exchange programme at Copenhagen Business School

Balaji Krishnamurthy on Taking Over as CFO

Expressing his thoughts on the appointment, Krishnamurthy highlighted Uber’s scale, financial strength, and long-term potential.

"It is an honour to step into this important role at such an important time for Uber. As the undisputed global mobility and delivery leader, and with significant cash flows, we have the opportunity to further solidify our place as a generational technology company," Krishnamurthy said.

Compensation and Stock Awards

Salary, Bonuses, and Equity Incentives

According to the regulatory filing, Krishnamurthy’s compensation package includes:

  • Annual base salary: $600,000 (about ₹5.42 crore)

  • Eligibility for Uber’s executive bonus plan

  • Restricted stock units (RSUs): $9.37 million (about ₹85 crore), subject to time- and performance-based vesting

  • Stock options: $3.12 million (about ₹28.21 crore), subject to time-based vesting

  • One-time RSU award: $5 million (about ₹45 crore)

This compensation structure aligns with Uber’s executive leadership incentives and long-term shareholder value creation.

Uber’s Broader Leadership and Business Context

The appointment comes at a time when Uber continues to strengthen its global mobility and delivery operations, focusing on profitability, cash flow generation, and operational discipline. Leadership continuity in finance is expected to support Uber’s long-term growth strategy amid evolving regulatory and market conditions.

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