Global ride-hailing giant Uber Technologies has appointed Balaji Krishnamurthy, an Indian-origin finance executive, as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a role he will assume from February 16, 2026. Krishnamurthy succeeds Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah, marking a strategic leadership change as Uber heads into its next phase of growth and innovation. His appointment reflects not only Uber’s trust in homegrown global talent but also underscores the increasing influence of Indian executives in prominent roles at major tech companies worldwide.
Author : Aashiya Jain | EQmint | Corporate Announcements
A Career Built on Strategy and Financial Expertise
Balaji Krishnamurthy’s journey to becoming Uber’s CFO is a story of steady ascent, discipline, and deep strategic focus. At 41 years old, Krishnamurthy has already amassed more than a decade of experience across finance and investment landscapes, beginning with early roles in India and eventually rising through the ranks of one of the world’s most watched tech companies.
He joined Uber in 2019 as a senior manager of investor relations and went on to serve as Vice President of Strategic Finance and Investor Relations before being named CFO. His work has spanned investor communication, financial planning, and broad strategic initiatives, earning him respect both within the organisation and among external stakeholders.
Before his tenure at Uber, Krishnamurthy spent over eight years at Goldman Sachs, where he served as a vice president in equity research, focusing on hardware and communications technology sectors a background that helped shape his analytical and market insights early in his professional life.
Academic Roots: India and Beyond
Krishnamurthy’s academic path echoes a blend of Indian education and international exposure. He completed his Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Electronics and Communications at the Manipal Institute of Technology, an institution that has also been alma mater to other notable global tech leaders. He went on to pursue an MBA from the Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon, further honing his strategic and business management skills. During his MBA, he expanded his global perspective with studies at Copenhagen Business School in Denmark.
This mix of solid engineering foundation and business leadership training has helped Krishnamurthy navigate complex financial environments from investor conversations to corporate capital allocation and growth planning.
Stepping into the CFO Role During Strategic Expansion
Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, highlighted Krishnamurthy’s deep knowledge of the company’s business and his strategic capabilities in announcing the leadership change. “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,” the CEO said, emphasising the confidence Uber’s leadership team has in Krishnamurthy’s ability to lead the company’s financial strategy going forward.
Khosrowshahi also paid tribute to outgoing CFO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah, acknowledging his contributions toward Uber’s investment-grade status, its first share repurchase programme, and several major acquisitions. Mahendra Rajah will remain with the company as a senior finance advisor through July 1, 2026, ensuring a smooth transition.
Krishnamurthy’s Vision for Uber’s Future
In his first public statement as incoming CFO, Krishnamurthy underscored Uber’s strong financial momentum and its strategic commitment to long-term growth. “After five years of 20%+ growth, we are entering 2026 with strong momentum, while remaining solidly on track to deliver on our three-year growth and profit outlook,” he said. “With large and growing free cash flows, over the coming years, we will invest with discipline across a multitude of opportunities, including positioning Uber to win in an AV (autonomous vehicle) future.”
This statement highlights his dual focus on fiscal prudence and future ready investments, especially in emerging areas like autonomous vehicles (AV), where Uber has been positioning itself strategically.
What This Appointment Symbolises
Balaji Krishnamurthy’s elevation to CFO reflects both his individual capabilities and a broader trend of Indian-origin leaders taking pivotal roles in global tech giants. His journey from academic roots in India to the financial helm of a major multinational is a testament to how global businesses increasingly value diverse perspectives and strategic depth.
As Uber navigates a competitive landscape marked by rapid technological change and shifting mobility trends, Krishnamurthy’s blend of strategic finance expertise and operational understanding positions him as a compelling figure in the company’s next chapter.
In an industry where financial leadership often shapes long-term fortunes, his appointment is more than a corporate milestone it’s a marker of confidence in disciplined growth and innovation.
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Resource Link : IndiaToday
