Dara Khosrowshahi, the current CEO of Uber, is a well-known name in the tech and business world. His leadership, career achievements, and salary have drawn significant attention over the years. In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Dara Khosrowshahi, his role as Uber’s CEO, and his salary.
Who is Dara Khosrowshahi?
Dara Khosrowshahi is an Iranian-American business executive who has played a transformative role in the corporate world.
- Full Name: Dara Khosrowshahi
- Date of Birth: May 28, 1969 (55 years old as of 2025)
- Place of Birth: Tehran, Iran
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Brown University (1991).
Early Life and Background
Dara was born into a wealthy family in Tehran, Iran. However, during the Iranian Revolution in 1978, his family fled the country and immigrated to the United States. Despite financial struggles in the U.S., Dara excelled academically, eventually earning his engineering degree.
His journey from being an immigrant to becoming one of the most influential CEOs in the tech industry is nothing short of inspiring.
Career Highlights
Before joining Uber, Dara held several notable positions:
- CEO of Expedia Group (2005–2017):
- Expanded Expedia’s global presence through acquisitions and innovation.
- Senior Roles at IAC (InterActiveCorp):
- Played a key role in the company’s growth and success.
In August 2017, Dara became the CEO of Uber, succeeding co-founder Travis Kalanick. He was brought in to rebuild Uber’s reputation and steer the company toward sustainable growth.
Dara Khosrowshahi’s Role as Uber CEO
As the CEO of Uber, Dara Khosrowshahi has focused on several key areas:
1. Rebuilding Uber’s Corporate Culture
When Dara joined Uber, the company was facing numerous controversies, including workplace harassment claims and a tarnished public image. He prioritized rebuilding Uber’s values, emphasizing ethics, transparency, and customer obsession.
2. Leading Uber’s IPO
In 2019, Dara successfully led Uber through its Initial Public Offering (IPO), a critical milestone for the company.
3. Expanding Uber’s Vision
Under Dara’s leadership, Uber has expanded beyond ride-hailing to include food delivery (Uber Eats), freight services, and autonomous vehicle development.
What is Dara Khosrowshahi’s Salary?
Dara Khosrowshahi’s salary as Uber’s CEO is a topic of interest for many. His compensation reflects his role in managing one of the world’s largest tech companies.
Breakdown of Dara’s Salary
- Base Salary:
- Dara’s base salary has historically been around $1 million per year.
- Bonuses and Incentives:
- Performance-based bonuses vary annually, depending on Uber’s financial and operational performance.
- In 2022, his total compensation increased by 22%, amounting to $24.3 million, which included bonuses and stock options.
- Stock Options and Equity Awards:
- A significant portion of Dara’s compensation comes from stock options and equity awards.
- These are tied to Uber’s stock performance and can add tens of millions of dollars annually.
2023 Salary
In 2023, Dara’s total compensation was approximately $24.2 million. This included his base salary, bonuses, and equity awards. The CEO-to-median worker pay ratio was reported as 292-to-1, highlighting the disparity between executive and employee compensation.
Dara Khosrowshahi’s Net Worth
Dara’s net worth is a reflection of his successful career and investments.
- Estimated Net Worth (2025): Over $170 million.
- Uber Shares: Dara owns 1,266,114 shares of Uber, valued at approximately $96 million as of mid-2024.
- Other Investments:
- Expedia Group: Owns shares worth $36 million.
- Tripadvisor: Shares valued at $2 million.
- Match Group: Shares valued at $1.5 million.
Insider Trading Activity
Dara has engaged in various stock transactions over the years, including selling 500,000 Uber shares in July 2024, earning around $36 million.
How Does Dara’s Salary Compare to Other CEOs?
When compared to other tech CEOs, Dara’s salary is competitive but not the highest.
- Lyft CEO:
- Dara’s compensation is higher than that of Lyft’s CEO, reflecting Uber’s larger market presence and revenue.
- Tech Industry Leaders:
- While Dara’s salary is significant, it is modest compared to CEOs of companies like Tesla (Elon Musk) or Apple (Tim Cook), whose compensation often includes massive stock awards.
Why Does Dara’s Salary Matter?
Understanding Dara’s salary provides insight into the value of leadership in the tech industry.
1. Reflecting Uber’s Performance
Dara’s compensation is tied to Uber’s financial performance and growth. His leadership has been instrumental in stabilizing and expanding the company.
2. Setting Industry Standards
As one of the most prominent tech CEOs, Dara’s salary sets a benchmark for executive compensation in the industry.
3. Public Perception
High CEO salaries often spark debates about income inequality. However, Dara’s contributions to Uber justify his compensation in the eyes of many stakeholders.
Dara Khosrowshahi’s Leadership Style
Dara is known for his collaborative and ethical leadership style.
1. Focus on Ethics and Transparency
He has worked to rebuild trust within Uber and its user base by prioritizing ethical practices.
2. Customer-Centric Approach
Dara emphasizes customer satisfaction and innovation, driving Uber to diversify its services.
3. Long-Term Vision
Under his leadership, Uber is investing in future technologies like autonomous vehicles and sustainable transportation.
FAQs About Dara Khosrowshahi and His Salary
1. What is Dara Khosrowshahi’s salary?
As of 2023, Dara’s total compensation was $24.2 million, including base salary, bonuses, and stock options.
2. How long has Dara been Uber’s CEO?
Dara became Uber’s CEO in August 2017, succeeding Travis Kalanick.
3. What is Dara’s net worth?
Dara’s net worth is estimated to be over $170 million as of 2025.
4. How does Dara’s salary compare to other CEOs?
Dara’s salary is competitive but not as high as CEOs of companies like Tesla or Apple.
5. What are Dara’s key achievements at Uber?
He led Uber’s IPO, rebuilt its corporate culture, and expanded its services beyond ride-hailing.
Conclusion
Dara Khosrowshahi’s journey from an immigrant to the CEO of Uber is inspiring. His leadership has transformed Uber into a more ethical and customer-focused company.
While his salary and net worth are substantial, they reflect his contributions to one of the world’s largest tech companies. Dara’s focus on innovation and long-term growth continues to shape Uber’s future.