Report: Uber's long-time chief business officer to resign Monday amid investigation into company's culture

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Emil Michael uber

Uber

Uber's long-time head of business, Emil Michael, is planning to resign as early as Monday, according to a new report from the Wall Street Journal's Greg Bensinger.

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Michael played a pivotal but oftentimes controversial role in building Uber into the $69 billion ride-hailing giant it is today.

As one of Uber CEO Travis Kalanick's closest confidants, Michael oversaw Uber's broader business strategy, including partnerships and fundraising. He has been with Uber since 2013 and currently holds the title of chief business officer.

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Michael's rumored resignation comes amid an investigation into Uber's work culture, including several scandals in which Michael was known to have a direct role in.

In 2014, Michael had threatened to dig up dirt on a journalist who covered the company. He was also one of the Uber executives who went to a karaoke bar in Seoul on a business trip that same year, where executives reportedly picked out women with numbers around their necks to be with them for the night. On Friday, Recode reported that Michael had also allegedly seen the medical reports of a rape victim that had been obtained by another Uber executive, who was subsequently fired after journalists started investigating the story.

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The results of the months-long investigation into Uber's workplace, being led by former attorney general Eric Holder, are being discussed by Uber's board members in an emergency meeting on Sunday morning in Los Angeles. As part of the meeting, Reuters reported that there will be a discussion on whether or not Uber's CEO should consider a temporary leave of absence from the company as well.

Uber declined to comment.

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