Uber president resigns after six months amid multiple controversies

Uber's president has resigned after just six months in the role as the company is facing numerous controversies, adding to mounting fears over the future of the firm.

Jeff Jones, former marketing head at Target, was tasked with altering Uber's public image, but decided to leave swiftly after joining citing an irreconcilable culture clash as the reason.

The departure comes as a raft of controversies are plaguing the company, including allegations of sexism and sexual harassment going unpunished in its offices. Uber is also fighting a high-profile lawsuit against Google and was recently forced to remove authority-evading technology from its app in cities where it is banned. 

Jones' resignation follows a string of high profile departures in recent weeks, including two vice presidents, a high profile security researcher and an engineering executive. 

"I joined Uber because of its mission, and the challenge to build global capabilities that would help the company mature and thrive in the long term," Jones told Reuters. "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." 

Jones was responsible for overseeing Uber's international work, working with drivers and handling marketing and customer service.  

"Jeff joined Uber in October 2016 from being CMO at retailer Target. In six months, he made an important impact on the company - from his focus on being driver-obsessed to delivering our first brand reputation study, which will help set our course in the coming months and year," Travis Kalanick, Uber's chief executive, said in a message to staff, according to Recode.

"After we announced our intention to hire a chief operating officer, Jeff came to the tough decision that he doesn't see his future at Uber." In a separate statement the company wished Jones well. 

In addition to Jones, Brian Clendon, Uber's vice president of maps and business platform, announced he would be leaving the firm to move into politics. 

"I'll be staying on as an adviser," said Clendon. "This fall's election and the current fiscal crisis in Kansas is driving me to more fully participate in our democracy." 

Ed Baker, vice president of product and growth, and security researcher Charlie Miller both left the business earlier this month. Engineering executive Amit Singhal, meanwhile, was forced to resign over sexual harassment allegations from his time at Google. 

Uber is currently fighting a high-profile court case against Google, which is suing the ride-hailing business for allegedly stealing autonomous vehicle trade secrets. Uber has denied the claims, describing them as a "baseless attempt to slow down a competitor".